Rachael Houston of Vineyard Haven died on March 15 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Rachael was born in Falmouth on Dec. 9, 1971, attended the Tisbury Elementary School and graduated from MVRHS. She was an avid animal lover, and rode horses at Featherstone Farm in exchange for cleaning stalls and paddocks, which she enjoyed as well. She dog and house sat for some wonderful people who lived Island-wide.

Rachael loved being a wife and mother, and did childcare for many years. There was always a house full of kids and something nutritious being served from her kitchen. She moved on to work in elder care and found her nitch making seniors’ lives comfortable.

Rachael is survived by her grandmother, Dorothy White of Vineyard Haven, who she provided loving care for until recently; her parents, Pat and Larry Sylvia of Vineyard Haven; her husband, Joe Houston; son Cole of Mashpee; daughters, Olyvia of Shuttesbury, and Mya of West Tisbury. She also is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of her family, as well as best friend, Lori Pinkham and her family of Vineyard Haven.

A graveside service will be held later in the springtime. Donations may be made in her memory to an Island charity of one’s choice.