The Queen’s community is remembering Rachael Anne Smith, a fourth-year student majoring in chemistry, who died Aug. 1, 2021.

Rachael was loved and adored by her family and those around her, and remembered as an exceptional young woman full of wit and charm, who was always willing to lend a hand. She was at the center of all of her family’s activities and made a lasting impression on everyone she met during her time at Queen’s.

Rachael loved people and expressed this as she worked fervently volunteering her time at the Kingston COVID-19 vaccine clinics knowing that she could help make a difference.

Rachael worked in the Department of Chemistry as a research assistant, and was looking forward to starting her fourth-year studies. One of her hallmarks was her ability to complete any task asked of her with the utmost care and with meticulous attention to detail. Her long-term goal was a career in medicine.

She entered Queen’s on a prestigious Principal’s Scholarship for academic excellence, and was on the Dean’s Honour List in each year of her studies. She was also a recipient of an Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) after both second and third year and was working in the lab of Richard Oleschuk on an NSERC USRA this summer. The USRA is the most prestigious undergraduate research award in Canada. Rachael was an author on an academic paper, another notable achievement for an undergraduate.

A private family service will be held to honour Rachael. As an expression of support, donations made to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (Cardiology Department) would be appreciated by the family.  A family obituary is available online.

Students who feel a need to speak to someone should contact Student Wellness Services, Faith and Spiritual Life, Good2Talk (for 24/7 confidential support, call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868) or EmpowerMe (24/7 confidential counselling by phone and online at 1-844-741-6389) or email supportservices@queensu.ca.