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New Bandon: (506) 365-7577
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Bill Liang posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
My deepest condolences go to Augustin, Aaron, and Allie. I was deeply saddened to hear of Rachel's passing. I had known Augustine for over twenty years; he was like a brother to me. We had a family dinner together during Christmas. Rachel's image and voice are still vivid in our mind; we will miss her forever.
With Love,
Bill & Yanli
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Jennifer Kanyamibwa posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Aunt Rachel was one of those rare people who quietly and generously changes the course of your life. She opened our world to nature, curiosity, and kindness through long road trips across Canada, our first experience dog sledding, and unforgettable journeys from Fredericton to Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and beyond. She showed us how to slow down and truly see a place, a moment, a season.
Her love was practical and tender. A jar of honey from her own bees, thoughtful gestures that made our wedding day feel even more special, and a warmth that made everyone around her want to be better and gentler people. She had a way of making you feel deeply seen and cared for.
Even now, every time we are in nature, whether among the quiet beauty of Joshua Tree, the California coast, or a simple open road, we think of her. Her spirit lives on in the way we travel, the way we love the land, and the way we try to show up for others.
We are endlessly grateful for her light, her generosity, and the expansive and beautiful world she shared with us. She will always be with us.
With love,
Jennifer & Xavier
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Kim MacKeigan posted a condolence
Monday, January 12, 2026
My deepest sympathies to Rachel's family. I had the pleasure of collaborating with her many times over the years and always admired her dedication, compassion and desire for lifelong learning.
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Scott Torry uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, January 11, 2026
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Augustine & Allie — our new family.
Our thoughts have been with you constantly all week, and we so wish we could be there with you all.
We feel our time with Rachel was just beginning through the marriage of Jesse and Allie, and we are deeply saddened that it has been cut so short. In the limited time we were fortunate to have with Rachel, we got to experience what an incredibly beautiful person she was, both inside and out.
We feel very lucky for the time we did share with her, and we are grateful to have Allie so close to us. Through her, Rachel will always be remembered and held close in our hearts.
We love you both.
Scott & Laurie
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Cathy Wintl posted a condolence
Friday, January 9, 2026
It was with great shock and sorrow that I learned of Rachel's passing. Although I didn't know Rachel well in Fredericton, I got to know her at Allie and Jesse's wedding in Antigua, Guatemala. Rachel arranged a wonderful Air B&B in the city centre, complete with chef. We stayed with Rachel, Augustin, friends and family. It was a wonderful time. Rachel was so full of fun, had a great sense of humour and was such a caring person. We became great friends. I will miss her and look forward to celebrating her life in July.
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Moir posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, January 9, 2026
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Dear Augustine, Aaron, and Allie,
I am both shocked and saddened to hear of Rachel’s passing. I worked with Rachel at Park Street School where we quickly formed a bond of friendship. We both had a love for children, especially those with exceptionalities. We only kept in touch by our chance meetings at super store where we always had a “catch up” chat and ALWAYS a good chuckle!
Though I’ve only met each of you a few times I feel like I know all of you through the stories of love and admiration Rachel shared with me. Her family meant the world to her!
Please accept my sincere condolences in the loss of this beautiful woman!
Love,
Jackie Moir
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Debbie and Lynn Sangster posted a condolence
Friday, January 9, 2026
Dear Augustin and family we are so very sorry for your loss of Rachel she was a beautiful lady ! May God be with you and your family now and the days ahead !! Sincerely Debbie and Lynn Sangster
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Suzanne Fexa posted a condolence
Friday, January 9, 2026
Rachel was an incredible human being and raised one of my favourite humans on this planet. I am so grateful Rachel’s heart will live on in Allie. My last memories with her are definitely my favourite. We shared beautiful moments in Guatemala for Allie and Jesse’s wedding. We laughed about old memories of me being young and having the same message in our speeches regarding a beautiful bracelet Jesse had made for Allie when they were newly dating. We both stated that this symbolic bracelet truly showed so much about his character, deep love and appreciation for Allie. We both learned Augustine can still bust a move on the dance floor and were in awe of the final destination Allie & Jesse chose for the celebration at the end of the trip. I will never forget the countless meals Rachel prepared for me or took me out for & I hope to find a recipe for a dish she made often that I loved. I will forever be inspired and grateful for how Rachel dedicated her career and life to others & wish I could thank her one more time for how much she helped me in a time of need. One of the last stories she shared with me about my childhood ended with her telling me she knew I was going to be very strong woman and that she was proud of me. I will hold that closely to my heart and continue to try and live up to that.
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Chin Seah donated to HEART STROKE FOUNDATION CANADA / FONDATION DES MALADIES DU COEUR ET DE LAVC DU CANADA
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Dear Augustine,
We were deeply saddened by news of Rachel passing. We will always remember her beautiful smile and friendship. Our sincere condolences. Stay strong my friend.
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Chin Seah posted a condolence
Thursday, January 8, 2026
We were deeply saddened by news of Rachel passing. Our sincere condolences to Augustin, Allie and family.
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Stig Skarborn posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Dear Augustin
Although you and I worked together for many years I did not have the opportunity to meet Rachel. I can only judge her through my experience with you, a knowledgeable, kind, man. I’m sure she had the same attributes as you did.
I truly share your grief and pain since my wife of 60 years, Marianne, died just before Christmas. Although it is easy to drown in sorrow, remember the good times and the experiences you had together. Let’s both cherish the life we have had and continue being supportive to our children, friends and the society we live in, each in his own way.
Sincerely, Stig
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John Sharpe posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
I worked with Rachel almost 30 years ago when we were the first group of behavioral specialists hired by the old District 18. I am shocked and saddened at her death and my sincerest condolences go out to her family and close friends. Rachel was a wonderful kind person and someone I looked up to when we worked together. She had a profound positive impact on many children and youth and she will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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Cristina Diaz uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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Thank you for a lifetime o frendship, my dearest frend Rachel. Your light was taken too early,, but it will never fade.
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Cristina Diaz uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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My Dear Friend Rachel, I’ll carry your laugh with me always. Thank you for the memories .You’ll never be.
Forgoten. Missing you already, but grateful for all we shered. Rest peacefully.
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Vicki Coughlan posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
My sincere condolences to Rachel’s family. I am thankful I had the opportunity to work with Rachel and learn some of her tips and tricks that she was so kind to share. Rachel always had a beautiful smile♥️hugs to all. Vicki Coughlan GSMS.
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Sharon Buchanan posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
I knew Rachel, Anne, Richard, and Aaron many years ago. I was always struck by how kind and mature she was at such a young age, and by her genuine interest in people. While we weren't close - we had more than one good conversation.
She was a gentle soul with a heart of gold and her loss will make the world a darker place.
My Condolences to her family and loved ones,
Sharon Buchanan (Crossman)
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Rachelle Colter posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
My sincerest condolences to Rachel's family. I truly appreciated and valued her expertise she provided to support teachers and students alike. Her calm presence and realistic perspective were a true gift for everyone around her.
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Alysha McGrattan posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
I am so heartbroken to hear of the loss of Rachel. Allie and I have been friends since middle school, and Rachel was always such a steady, calming presence. Understanding, but with a sly sense of humour. I will always remember her often “rescuing” Allie and I from the cafeteria food at Leo Hayes and taking us to Pizza Delight for the lunch buffet.
My heart goes out to Allie and the entire family. The loss of such a wonderful mother and friend is impossible to put into words.
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Nicole Shepherd lit a candle
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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I first met Ms. Hefling at Leo Hayes High School around 2003-2005 (my graduation year). She always had a big smile on her face when I would see her in the halls and stop for a chat to make sure everyone was okay. She used to give out candy at the guidance office when she was there. She made an impact on every student she talked to, even if it was just for 5 minutes. Thank you forever for making sure I had a smile on my face.
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Melynda Jarratt uploaded photo(s)
Monday, January 5, 2026
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Oh my that was a fun night.
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Glenn Scott posted a condolence
Monday, January 5, 2026
Oh my goodness. Dear family, I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful woman Rachel was.. we met in the 80s at St. Thomas.. she was glorious and bright and happy.. always a pleasure to run into.we kept in touch once social media allowed us to.. and still..the same woman I met years ago..such positive energy. Will be missed by her community and by society.. we need more like her.RIP old friend..smooth spirited soul.
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Emoly Forestell posted a condolence
Monday, January 5, 2026
My condolences to Rachel’s family. Rachel’s impact was abundant and her loss will be felt by so many.
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Shelly Jones posted a condolence
Monday, January 5, 2026
I am so saddened to hear of Rachel's passing. She was so wonderful to work with, and under her guidance. Her calm but uplifting demeanor and Spirit always made you feel valued. She was such a beautiful soul and she will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to her family.
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The family of Rachel Hefling uploaded a photo
Monday, January 5, 2026
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Chantale Cloutier posted a condolence
Monday, January 5, 2026
Rachel was a beautiful person who had such a positive impact wherever she went. She had a calming presence and embraced challenging situations in schools with professionalism and positive attitude. She was highly respected, so humble and an expert at what she did.
She will be dearly missed.
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Bev Rankin posted a condolence
Monday, January 5, 2026
Rachel touched so many at Leo Hayes High School. She was one of the first people to welcome me there. She will be missed by all who knew her. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go to her family at this sad time.
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Barb Gallant posted a condolence
Monday, January 5, 2026
I had the privilege of working with Rachel as an Autism Lead for several years. She was an exceptionally generous teammate—always eager to share her knowledge, expertise, and encouragement. Her kindness and warmth touched everyone around her. Her kind and caring heart lives on in her grandchildren . ❤️Rachel was a wonderful person who will be deeply missed.
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Jess Blizzard posted a condolence
Monday, January 5, 2026
Rachel helped me so much in my early teaching years. She had the calmest and most empathetic presence about her. As a teacher working with high need students she is someone I aspire to be. She will be truly missed in all the schools!
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Melynda Jarratt Posted Jan 5, 2026 at 6:38 PM
As a writer it's not very often that I am at a loss for words but I am finding it very difficult to express my sadness at the loss of my dear sweet friend Rachel. She was a kind soul glowing with wisdom and positivity and that presence of mind is something I am going to miss every day moving forward.
Contact
Fredericton: (506) 458-9538
New Bandon: (506) 365-7577
yorkfuneralhome@yorkfh.com
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