Rachel Marie Dubec

Rachel Marie Dubec was born September 4, 1978 and died on December 22, 2023.

Some may remember her as “The Blue Rose,” the subject of a feature article written by her father, Peter Dubec, former editor of the Catholic Mirror, on the occasion of her birth.

She graduated from Holy Trinity Catholic School, Dowling Catholic High School, and University of Northern Iowa.  Her career included event planning at the Younkers Tea Room. She became Director of Events for Des Moines Golf and Country Club, and lastly, Director of Hospitality for Edgewater Retirement, where, among other duties, she composed poignant and personal memorial reflections and services for deceased residents and their families. She introduced and led a Rosary and Reflection Hour for residents.

Rachel made all things beautiful.  She never knew a stranger and gathered you into her warmth and kindness like a mother hen gathers her brood beneath her wings.

Despite multiple personal losses, suffering and challenges, she had an indomitable spirit, radiating joy, faith and verve.  Few could beat her at Scrabble.  She loved puzzles, playing games, especially, Uno and Pit, and any other game in which she calculated she might beat you.

She was a lector at her church, completed the Los Angeles Marathon and could shoot a 3-pointer with her eyes closed.  She loved a voracious water fight, danced and sang beautifully. She studied nutrition and health and lived what she learned. Finely tuned to the disingenuous, she dethroned the pompous or entitled with grace and ease. She laughed boisterously and contagiously.

She didn’t care whether you were the clerk in the drive-up or the Papal Nuncio, she never forgot your name and treated you like her BFF.  She had a servants heart.

She loved family and friend time and vacations in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Her boys were her beloved treasures and she adored every hair on their heads.

Those who went before her are:  father, Peter J. Dubec, Uncle Tom Dorsett, cousin Tim Dorsett, grandparents, Clarence and Mary Dorsett, Peter P. and Helen Dubec.

She left behind sons, Elliott and Emmett Naber, their father, Rusty Naber; mother Mary Ann Dorsett (Tom), brother, Ben Dubec, sister, Esther (Brooks), nephew William; Aunt Carole Berlin, cousins Tom and David, Aunt Marian (Art) Leos; cousins Alex and Marie; Aunt Loretta Dorsett, cousin Valerie;  Auntie J.C. (Jack) Sonnenberg, cousins Zachary, Christian and Leah (Arouna); her uncle, Brother Michael Dubec, O.S.F.; godparents, Ed and Lynn Barlo, and other family as well as special friend, Terry Boston.

She was blessed with a myriad of wonderful friends and generous angels including: Emily , Justin, Diane, Pete, Anne R., Ann S., Blair H., Courtney, Lindsey, Nick, Collette, Tiffany, Jim, Roberta, Teresa , Brett, Lizzy, Deb R.,  Barb , Larry, Cookie, Phil, Russ, Linda, Mary L. and numerous magnanimous souls who left their calling cards of kindness, anonymously.

To those who sacrificed and prayed steadfastly for her healing, may your prayerful and generous spirits continue to radiate healing and goodness throughout a needy world.

We are blessed and privileged to have known you, dear, precious child of God.  May you rest easy, knowing the profound mark you left on the world.

Memorials may be made in the form of Masses said for her and contributions to: Catholic Cross Outreach, Catholic Relief Services, or Doctors without Borders in her name.