Sheila Rachin

Sheila Childs Rachin departed this world in the early morning hours of April 25, 2023, succumbing to a high-grade sarcoma. She was born in New York City on February 22, 1937, the youngest of two girls.

Sheila received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Hunter College in NYC. In 1958, while working as a social worker for the City of NY, she met the love of her life, Richard L. Rachin, and they were married in 1959.

In October 1962, she gave birth to her daughter Elizabeth, who died in February 1965. In November 1965, Sheila gave birth to her son, Steven L. Rachin, who survives her.

In 1968 for her husband’s employment, Sheila and her family moved to Tallahassee, where she resided for the rest of her life.

Sheila and Richard deeply loved each other, and they were involved with many business and academic endeavors during their marriage. Richard died in February 1995, and Sheila missed him greatly until her death.

Sheila was predeceased by her parents Sol and Hannah Childs, her daughter Elizabeth, her husband Richard, and her sister Lynn.

Sheila is survived by her son Steven and his wife Robin, her granddaughters Rebecca and Ilana, and her rescue Yorkie, Chopper. She loved them all dearly.

Sheila was known for her genuine kindness, warmth, and interest in others. She enjoyed reading, especially about history and current events; watching the news and old movies; and traveling with her family, with her close friend Lisa Harris, and with Steven.

Sheila had a very special 50-year friendship with Lisa and Dr. Jerry Harris and their family. She was also very close to the family of David Miller, to her friend Susan Howes, and to her childhood friend Barbara Reich. Additionally, Sheila had a warm long-term friendship with Claire Knox at the Florida State University College of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Sheila was also privileged to have wonderful next-door neighbors, Bruce and Diane Conroy, for the last 25 years.

Sheila’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and caregivers at the Grove at Canopy and to Big Bend Hospice, and to the personal care assistants and nurses at the Shands Cancer Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Additionally, a special thank you to Sheila’s nurses Zoey, Jacquie, and Robert on the surgical and orthopedic oncology floors at the Shands Cancer Hospital.

Sheila would want to thank her University of Florida oncologist Dr. Stephen Staal and his nurse Barbara. Dr. Staal wrote that Sheila “radiated optimism and, for want of a better word, goodness” – words that best describe the person that her family was honored to know and love.

Steven and Robin would like to thank all those who reached out to the family during Sheila’s illness and following her death to convey their concern and condolences.

A memorial to remember Sheila’s life will be held May 27, 2023, 2 PM, at Culley’s Meadowood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to either the Richard L. Rachin Fellowship at the Florida State University College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, or to Big Bend Hospice.

May her memory be a blessing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWood.com for the Rachin family.