Rachel Elizabeth Hegarty

Rachel Elizabeth Hegarty of Arlington, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024, at home with her loving family by her side. Born on December 27, 1982, in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of Elizabeth (DelVecchio) Rogers and Patrick Hegarty and was raised in Chesapeake Beach, MD. Rachel attended Northern High School in Calvert County, MD, and graduated in 2005 from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. Upon graduation, Rachel moved to Arlington, VA, where she began her professional career. She worked for General Dynamics for several years where she prospered as a Program Analyst. In 2015, with a craving for photography and independence, Rachel struck out on her own and established her own business, Rachel E. H. Photography. She was known as a photographer of “natural light” and became very successful, photographing lavish weddings, proposals, graduations, families and newborns. In addition, she loved the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C., and made that a prominent feature of her offerings. Rachel achieved critical acclaim for her work as one of the best photographers in Arlington and was recognized by “The Knot”, a renowned wedding publication. What leisure time she had was spent at the Outer Banks with Brian, her fiancé. She loved the water and the relaxation it offered.

Rachel was loved by all who knew her including clients, business colleagues and acquaintances. But most of all she was loved by her family and closest friends as well as her dedicated Yorkie Poo, Milli. She is survived by her loving fiancé and partner in life, Brian Kennedy, her mother Elizabeth Rogers (DelVecchio); her father, Patrick Hegarty (Elaine); and her brother, Steven Rogers (Elizabeth) and their beautiful son Noah. She also leaves behind several loving Step Brothers and Sisters, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nephews and Nieces who will miss her immeasurably. Rachel and Milli were adored by Jacob, Levi, Ava, Asher, Arabella, Ruby, Noble, Lincoln, Milo and Apollo and Rachel cherished them in return.

As a family, we want to recognize Rachel’s love and appreciation for all of the personal care given to her by her fiancé Brian, her close friends Rebecca Ruest, Paloma Santiago and Alexis Masso. They worked tirelessly to help Rachel during this difficult time. We would also like to thank all of those who contributed their thoughts, prayers and financial support in the effort to heal Rachel of her cancer and to make her time here as comfortable as possible. We are extremely grateful.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 13th at 3pm at Saint George’s Episcopal Church, 915 N Oakland St., Arlington, VA 22203. A reception in Arlington will follow with details given at the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to https://www.nationalmssociety.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give or https://www.lostdogrescue.org/donate-now/ .