JOHHANSON, Rachel

July 15, 1994 – October 11, 2025

Rachel Nicole Johannson passed away surrounded by love on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the age of 31 years. Born on Friday, July 15, 1994, Rachel grew up in the small community of Spruce View where she attended and graduated grade school. She excelled academically and was recognised for her kind-hearted nature, willingness to help others and being a devoted friend. Rachel was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her — kind, creative, and endlessly compassionate.  A dedicated educator, Rachel earned her Bachelor of Education from Red Deer College (now Red Deer Polytechnic), specializing in Middle Years. She began her teaching journey at Ermineskin School in Maskwacîs, taught abroad in England, and later became a passionate and beloved special education teacher at Parkland School. She also served her community as a skilled coordinator of group homes with Parkland C.L.A.S.S., where her care and empathy touched many lives. Rachel’s creativity and talent shone in many forms — through her art, her music, and her caring spirit. A gifted piano player and accomplished artist, she found joy in painting, drawing, and creating digital tattoo designs that reflected her imagination and heart. She had a gentle spirit, a green thumb, and a deep love for all living things, including her cherished pets; three cats and a dog. She loved sharing adventures outdoors, particularly hiking and traveling. She accepted others wholeheartedly and worked each day to make the world a kinder, more beautiful place. She is lovingly remembered by her partner, Michael Howes; sister-in-law, Ashleigh Wilkinson; mother-in-law, Sally Wilkinson; beloved cousins, Brooklyn Bolton and Janelle Hall; and dear friends, Amber Longacre, Corry Hall, and Kathleen McGourty (and family). She will also be deeply missed by many other cherished family members, friends, and colleagues who made up her chosen family. Rachel’s warmth, laughter, and light will be deeply missed. She will be forever remembered for her extraordinary character, love of being an educator, deeply caring nature and the beautiful person she was.  In honour of Rachel’s compassionate spirit and dedication to her community, donations may be made in her name to Parkland School by cheque (made out to Parkland School at 6016 45 Ave, Red Deer, AB) or to Parkland C.L.A.S.S. by online donation at www.parklandclass.org/donate Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

 

• Date : 2025-10-26
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com