Rachel Lisa Stocker was born in Pasadena in 1971 and lived with her parents, Les and Pamela, and three sisters near Eaton Canyon. The girls attended High Point Academy and had a happy, carefree childhood. Rachel loved school and was an “A” student. She studied piano and flute and had a penchant for writing poetry.
As Rachel approached her thirteenth birthday, doctors discovered an inoperable brain tumor, a condition called astrocytoma. Her surgeons believed she had perhaps only months to live. However, with the steadfast support of her family caregivers, she lived for more than seven years, through multiple surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and other related procedures.
Rachel died at the age of 20 in 1991, and friends and family showered her family with heartfelt love. Several trees were planted in her memory, including a beautiful tulip tree planted near the main entrance to High Point Academy. Others were planted in places of importance to the family.
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