Rachel Howard Trinchitella, age 76, peacefully passed away the morning of Thursday, Oct. 26 at home with her children by her side.
Conrad and Bonnie Howard were blessed with Rachel on Sept. 10, 1947 in Cullman Hospital. As a young girl, Rachel enjoyed dancing, dolls, being a brownie and always having a purse on her arm. Many of her fondest memories involved spending time in West Point with her grandparents, Alice “Ma” and William “Pa” Jordan and visiting with her cousins Lynelle and Becky. Rachel was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church Youth Group.
Rachel graduated from Cullman High School in 1965. Known for being kind and outgoing, Rachel enjoyed being a cheerleader, Key Club sweetheart and S.T.A.R. member among other extracurricular groups. In 1964, Rachel met a young St. Bernard College baseball player named John Howard Trinchitella who would become the love of her life. They married June 26, 1965.
John enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966. The Navy relocated them to Pensacola, FL then Norfolk, VA. In 1971, while in Norfolk, Rachel completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from Hampton Institute. Rachel taught home economics in Virginia for a short period of time before welcoming their son, John Jason.
Rachel and John eventually moved back to Cullman to be closer to family. In 1975, they welcomed a daughter, Alice Anne and remained in Cullman for the rest of their lives.
Rachel loved taking care of others. Along with being a remarkable mother, Rachel cared for her own mother and always welcomed having an extra tennis student at the dinner table. Rachel had a love for cooking and enjoyed nourishing the belly of anyone who walked in the door.
Rachel also had a love of music that could be seen in her excitement for the Sacred Heart Church Adult and Children’s choirs. This love of music eventually led to her pursuing additional music education classes at Birmingham Southern College.
Rachel had an unwavering love of God that she expressed through her authentic care, concern and acceptance of others. Her love and friendship were true blessings to one’s life.
Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents and her sister-in-law, Gwenda Howard.
Survivors include her son, Jason; her daughter Alice (Chad) Apel; her brother, Tommy Howard; and several nieces and nephews.
An extra special thank you to the wonderful people at Aveana Hospice who have become “like family”. Your love and care will never be forgotten.
Pallbearers will be Jason Trinchitella, son; Chad Apel, son in law; Alan Howard, nephew; Chad Howard, nephew; Michael Wilbanks, son of cousin (Lynelle); and Alex Chaney, special family friend.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the First United Methodist Church, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Services will be at 3 p.m. with burial to follow at Cullman City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.
