Rachel Pritchard Fish

Virginia Beach - Rachel P. Fish passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21, 2014 at the Gardens at Warwick Forest in Newport News, VA. She was born in Columbia (Tyrrell County), N.C. She was the daughter of the late Claude Hendry and Addie Snell Pritchard. She was a charter member of the Elizabeth River Baptist Church. She initially resided with her family in Norfolk, VA, and subsequently moved to Virginia Beach. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 57 years, James A. Fish, from Chincoteague, VA. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Bernice Biddle, Lula Pritchard, her brothers, Joseph and Ray Pritchard and her twin grandsons, David and James. She is survived by her son, James A. Fish, Jr., and his wife, Donna, of Newport News, grandchildren, Ashley N. Fish and James A. ("Tripp") Fish, III, a special niece, Linda Mays,several nephews and long-time friends and neighbors. She is also survived by a curious member of her household- "Sam," the lame seagull, who during the winter months for well over 20 years was not shy about standing just outside her home (or even inside her garage), mornings and evenings, patiently waiting for bread and other sustenance. Rachel loved her job as a real estate agent. Up to the time her death she often fondly reminisced about the people she met and the friends she made while finding the perfect home for her clients. She was a life-long member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Berkley Chapter. She really loved animals. After her dog Tina died, she found great joy in feeding and watching hummingbirds outside her window. She also enjoyed feeding the native wild birds outside her home, and an occasional squirrel. She loved dancing at the Lafayette Club, playing Bingo with friends, and buying and restoring antique furniture with her husband. The family wishes to thank the compassionate providers at the Gardens at Warwick Forest for the kind and loving care provided to Rachel. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and will be deeply missed. The family will receive friends at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home 601 N. Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462 on Friday, July 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, at Rosewood Memorial Park. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to: The EOD Warrior Foundation, P.O. Box 309, Bluemont, VA 20135, Phone: 540-554-4550 or Wounded Wear, P.O. Box 64724, Virginia Beach, VA 23467-4724, Phone: 757-773-8079. You may offer your condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com