Rachelle C. Gummerson

GUMMERSON, Rachelle (née Poitras) – Passed away peacefully with her family by her side early afternoon Monday, January 16th, 2023. She is predeceased by her loving parents, Georges Poitras, Françoise Gagné, her stepfather Eugène Gagné, sisters Lucie, Pauline, Annette, Carmen, Simone, brothers Paul, Maurice, Henri, Raoul, Gérard.

She leaves behind her loving husband Richard Gummerson, daughters Samantha Smith (Shayne), Laura Pollock (Logan), Allison Smith (Shawn), Leahan Gummerson (Daniel), stepson Ryan Gummerson, sisters Michelle Lawrence (Larry), Diane Bourgon (Reynald), Judith Rouleau (Jean-Guy), and her grandchildren, Shea, Iris, Leo, Charlie, Ella, Scott, Marshall, Myles and Georgie and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rachelle was a teacher for 20 years and formed many lifelong friendships during her career. In the last few years she was able to enjoy a short but fulfilling retirement with her husband, in their dream home in Southampton. She loved walking on the beach collecting rocks and was passionate about nature photography. Her daughters share many fond memories of camping trips, beach days and loud singing in the car. She always enjoyed playing games, especially Trivial Pursuit with her twin sister and their husbands. She was always exploring her creativity through watercolour painting, colouring, drawing and textile art. She took pride in turning houses into warm and welcoming homes. You could often find her gardening, caring for her houseplants, reading, or cooking from her favourite recipe book.

She will be fondly remembered as a mother, wife, sister, grandmother, friend and teacher. She shaped the lives of those around her with her kindness, empathy, and big heart. She found a friend in everyone. She is deeply missed.

The family wishes to thank the incredible staff at Southampton Hospital, and her oncology team in Owen Sound for their outstanding care, compassion and support.

Family and friends will be received at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, Sunday January 22, 2023, from 1-4 pm. A private funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations on Rachelle’s behalf to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada, or the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation.

A tree will be planted in memory of Rachelle Gummerson in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.