Rachel Teresa Jade Crosby

January 13, 1947 – May 1, 2025
DenniS — Rachel Crosby—beloved sister, aunt, friend, writer, artist, musician, Buddhist, and animal lover—passed away peacefully of natural causes on May 1, 2025, at her home in Dennis, Massachusetts. She was 78.
  Rachel lived her life as a creative force, a brilliant mind, and a deeply compassionate soul. Whether through her writing, vibrant art, music, rock’n’roll drumming, or mere presence, she brought warmth, insight, and authenticity to all she did. Her spiritual path, rooted in Buddhism and her own personal intuition, shaped her life.
  Born in Schenectady, New York, to Doris Crosby and John Celani, Rachel showed early gifts in imagination and intellect. She studied economics and religion at Hamilton College, but her truest education came from life itself: cross-country road trips in a hand-painted VW bus, the creative pulse of Provincetown, and quiet days spent painting, meditating, or by the sea.
Rachel’s career was as diverse and accomplished as she was. As town assessor in Provincetown and later a grant writer and data analyst at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, she brought dedication and vision to public service. She created Calliope, a women-only music shop, and was Treasurer and advocate for many organizations, including serving on the board of Cape Cod Pride. She formed deep ties within the LGBTQIA+ community and found kindred spirits in groups like Rising Tide Writers and the Insight Meditation Circle.
She was predeceased by her parents, Doris and John. She is survived by her beloved sister, Candace Celani; her nephews Theo Celani (Shannon), Nick Vooris (Mary), Dan Vooris; her nieces, Alaina Vooris (Dave) and Grace Insogna (Ali); and the next generations: Ella, Charlotte, Kali, Keeley, Bowen, and Remi. She also leaves behind her girlfriend Ann Sullivan, countless long-time friends and spiritual companions, including Flo Ann Femling, Eric Ekstrom, Sandy Fay, Gerry Kinahan, Barbara Leedom, and Janet Jansson.
Rachel and Candace shared a profound and unbreakable bond—more than sisters, they were soulmates in this life. Candace adored and admired Rachel deeply, their connection is eternal and filled with love and laughter. Rachel’s legacy endures in her art, her words, and the many lives she touched. As she believed, “The only absolute is change”—but what remains unchanged is the love we hold for her, and the light she leaves behind.