Our loved one, Rachael Marie Schomaker left this life Thursday, July 30, 2020. She was 33. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joan Guepet, Robert Schomaker and Kateri Schomaker. Rachael is survived by her children, Jordan, Rhylee and Jackson, her mother, Michele G. Quick (Jason), her father, Daniel J. Schomaker, her brother, Chad M. Schomaker (Francesca), her sister, Peyton Ashley Schomaker, her grandfather, Jacob S. Guepet (Late Joan), her Godmother, Angelle G. Winningkoff, and an abundance of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Born on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1987, Rachael always did things her own way that’s for sure. She was a passionate, spirited soul, fearless and funny, with a laugh that was truly infectious. A natural-born athlete, every sport Rachael played she made look effortless. An excellent player she was. Rachael had a drive like no other. Once she set her mind to something, she was all in. A woman of undeniable strength and courage, determined and fearless, strong-minded, formidable, resilient and deep down she was warm heart.
Along her way, events in Rachael’s life led her down a hard, dark road. One that would lead her astray and away from all those she loved and loved her. Regrettably, most of her adult life was defined by drug addiction. Over the years, Rachael made many attempts at recovery, only to relapse again and again. For Rachael an endless fight.
Rachael’s greatest joy was becoming a mother. She was blessed with three of the most amazing of children.
Her greatest sorrow was not being part her children’s lives. Knowing it was by her own hand, this gave rise to immense regret, despair and shame so great, she believed it impossible that she could ever atone or be forgiven by others nor herself. Still there was never a time they weren’t in her thoughts and in her heart.
Rachael’s death was sudden and unexpected. It was with her mom, dad, and brother by her side she was peacefully set free. While addiction stole her life, it was not what claimed her life. It was complications of an infection that led to endocarditis and heart failure.
We grieve the loss of Rachael, the life we hoped she may one day have had. Comfort comes only in knowing she is finally free from the constant struggle, judgment, fear and pain.
A private Memorial Gathering will take the place of traditional funeral services.
This is a difficult time for us, Rachael’s family, we prefer to mourn Rachael’s loss privately. However, we know Rachael had many friends. We’d love to hear from you and invite you to go online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com where you can share with us tales of fun times, fond memories, things loved about her, or a wish goodbye. Online you can also offer condolences and sign the family guestbook.
In lieu of flowers, we ask you say a prayer for Rachael that she be finally at rest. In her memory offer a kind word, a smile, a friendly gesture just to brighten someone’s day, or perchance, extend a hand up to someone in need. And, on the occasion a beautiful and vibrant flower catches your eye may you think of Rachael. Picture her admiring its beauty, smiling, picking it to keep for the day or pin in her hair. She’d love that.
Rachael was a daughter, a sister, a mother, a granddaughter, a niece, a cousin, a friend. In her own unique way, Rachael touched the lives of many, from the random passer-by to her friends and family. Sadly, gone too soon and will be forever missed.
There is much debate whether Addiction is a choice or a disease. Addiction takes on a life of its own with a sway so strong one will lose their way, then their whole sense of self. It changes how a person thinks and feels, how they act, what they say and will do. Everything that made them who they were, Addiction erodes away. It is relentless, merciless and a constant stalker that haunts and never let’s go. Much like a spark set ablaze it can become destructive and all-consuming. No one would choose to become an addict. It will plague anyone regardless of a person’s life circumstances. Addiction is not a choice; it is very much a disease. Though there’s no cure for Addiction, there’s treatment and recovery. One cannot beat Addiction without help, if you or someone you love suffers with addiction reach out and seek help. Help is out there. Only intervention and treatment can help someone suffering with Addiction. Don’t be afraid to take the first step or to try again and again. Never give up.
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