Rachel Ann Dennison aged 33, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, PA, surrounded by her family.

She was born October 2, 1991, in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of Richard E. Dennison Sr and the late Doris (Ling) Dennison.

Rachel recently became a mother to her son, Michael Aaron Dennison — a role she stepped into with joy, pride, and a heart full of love. Though their time together was short, it was deeply meaningful and a reflection of the love she carried so effortlessly throughout her life.

Rachel was a pure soul — genuine, kind, and full of love. Her authenticity and openness touched everyone she met, and her spirit will be remembered for its simplicity, sweetness, and strength. She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. She was never afraid to talk to anyone and could strike up a friendship with someone she had just met, often leaving them smiling with her humor, sincerity, and open heart.

She was an extraordinary daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece, cousin, Godmother, and friend. A proud graduate of Salem High School, Rachel carried the lessons of friendship, community, and perseverance with her throughout her life. Rachel had a creative and joyful spirit.

She loved making crafts, watching movies, and playing video games — activities she enjoyed both on her own and with those she loved. Music was one of her greatest joys, and she could often be found singing along to her favorite songs, filling the space around her with warmth and energy.

She especially loved attending her workshops for work, where she built meaningful friendships and was surrounded by a community that appreciated her for exactly who she was. Rachel made lasting relationships with many of the staff members there — bonds that grew so strong, many became like family to her. Ellen Scarry-Needham and Jessica Schaffner were known among her friends and family not as caregivers but as sisters, who were by her side to the end.

She was also a passionate and proud participant in the Special Olympics, competing with the Columbiana County Comets in track, softball, basketball, and swimming. Her dedication and enthusiasm shone brightly in every event.

Even in passing, Rachel's giving heart made a lasting impact. As an organ donor, she gave the gift of life to others — a final, selfless act that beautifully reflected the way she lived: with compassion, generosity, and love. Rachel's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her — in every life she touched, in every song she sang, and in every person she loved.

She is survived by her son Michael Aaron Dennison, her father Richard E. Dennison Sr  (Tammy Johnson, girlfriend), siblings; James and Jennifer Ling, Justin Dennison and Karli Utt, her paternal grandmother Ruthann (Richards) Dennison, aunts and uncles; Sarah Nelson, George (Patricia) Ling, Danny, Fred, and John (Teresa) Dennison, Joyce (Greg) Shelosky, Jean (Craig) Harold, Gayle (Mayhugh) Ling, two honorary aunts, Suzanne Mehno and Anne Smith, honorary grandma, Joanne Potts, nephew Jason Dennison and niece Lilah Lodge, her Godson Teddy Hovanic, numerous cousins, and all those that she added and chose to be part of her family. You all made an impact on her life.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her brother Michael R. Dennison, half-brother Richard Dennison Jr, maternal grandparents; George and Doris (Colbert) Ling, her paternal grandfather Roger Dennison, uncle James Ling, and "Uncle Pap" Dwight Nelson.

A Celebration of Life will be Friday, July 11, 2025, 7 PM, at the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services of Salem, with Pastor Frances Burkhart officiating. The family will greet friends and loved ones from 5 PM until the time of the service on Friday, at the funeral home.