The Mill Restaurant
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
“I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2. Tim. 4:7 It is with immeasurable sadness that the family of Rachel Katherine Brown (née Jones) announces her passing on August 27, 2025 at the Northumberland Hills Hospital.
Rachel leaves behind her cherished daughters Tayla and Rylee, her parents Michael and Faith Jones, her siblings Graham (Terence), Sarah (Kendell), and Justine and her little niece Freya, who gave her so much joy, and of course Andrew Henderson, Rachel’s loving and dedicated partner of many years. Rachel also leaves behind her beloved aunts, uncle, cousins and relatives in both Wales, United Kingdom and the United States.
Rachel was the first to arrive and make her parents a family in 1971. There were to be many firsts in her short life. She walked first. She was the first of their children to start school, to go to university, to have children of her own. Tall and athletic, she excelled academically, in sport, and was an accomplished musician – so many talents in a life cut short. Sadly she also becomes the first to die.
Graduating with a life science degree from Queen’s University she became an occupational therapist, gaining her qualification from McMaster University. She first helped children in the Kitchener-Waterloo area – treating the children of Mennonite families. Life was stressful but she often unwound by rowing enthusiastically on the Grand River and enjoyed showing her parents around the Cambridge area where she lived. Rachel later returned to Cobourg where she worked at Five Counties Children’s Centre. She was passionate about her work and cherished the friendships she made with her co-workers.
Although Rachel’s marriage ended it produced two daughters who are now 19 and 17. Girls who are empathetic, caring and clever, like their mother. Rachel was always uncomfortable taking the spotlight. One could find her in the background or at the edge of a photograph. She was a great “big sister” and a dedicated mother – never seeking applause. She loved driving her girls to dance competitions and seeing them excel in so many fields.
She will be missed dreadfully but we know that, even though not physically present, she will be quietly looking over her girls’ shoulders, cheering Tayla and Rylee on and experiencing their lives from a distance. She will remain constant in her love and protection. Hers was a life “in short measure” but a life to be reckoned with and loved.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of the Palliative Care Unit at the Northumberland Hills Hospital for their kindness, and compassionate care.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life for Rachel at the Mill Restaurant in November. Details will be shared at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Five Counties Children’s Centre (Cobourg) or the Palliative Care Unit of the Northumberland Hills Hospital.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Five Counties Children's Centre
Dear Dr. Jones and family, our sincere condolences for your loss. Thinking of you at this very sad time.
Tayla and Rylee, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. Rachel was a thoughtful and loving mother who raised two kind and beautiful girls. Our thoughts are with you. Love, Joanne and Wayne Kelly
Sending our deepest condolences and healing love to you Graham and Terence as well as your family your family. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending my condolences to the family of this incredible human being. My memories of Rachel are through my daughter and my grandchildren. She was the first person that was there in a professional capacity as well as a personal one for both of our neurodivergent children. She was there to help my daughter get her bearings. When the children were small and only starting out in kindergarten, Rachel was there to help navigate this time in our lives. Now both children are teenagers and still growing ;) into wonderful young adults with many thanks to professionals such as Rachel Brown. Rest in peace Rachel knowing how many families and young peoples you helped here on your journey.
So sorry for your loss. Rachel was a huge part of this community and had helped endless members. Sending love.
I am so saddened by this news. My heart is with your beautiful family, especially Tayla and Rylee. Rachel and Justine have been lovely friends over many many years. I am so sorry for this huge loss.
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending love. Thinking of you.
I have so many fond memories from our time both at highschool and university. Piano recitals, sports teams, band practices plus so, so many labs and tutorials. So so sorry to hear of Rachel's passing. Blessings to all family, friends and loves ones. Rachel was always a kind, giving and caring friend.
Dear Faith, Mike and family We are so greatly saddened to hear of the passing of your dear Rachel. We are thinking of you all and praying for comfort and strength in this very difficult time.
Saddened by the loss of your beloved daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim Clarke and Kathy Mitchell.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Five Counties Children's Centre
To the entire Jones and Brown families, my sincere condolences to all of you. I remember the four wonderful Jones children from St. Michael's School, where my Mother taught, for many years. I remember Sarah and my sister, Sheryl, were steadfast buddies. Time certainly has a way of passing us by. My heart goes out to all of you.
To the Brown and Jones families- Here’s a simple, heartfelt message you could use as condolences for someone you went to high school with: --- I am so saddened to hear about Rachel's passing. Please know that I’m holding you all in my thoughts and sending strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Dear Dr. Jones, Mrs Jones, and family, I am very saddened and heartbroken to hear about the passing of Rachel. Rachel was a great neighbour. I feel very blessed to have known her and watch her girls grow into no amazing young women. Rachel left a positive impression on all she met. She is going to be missed dearly.
Dr. Jones & Family: We were saddened to learn of Rachel. Knowing her from the Kindergarten era, she was a lovely person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy and condolence. I had the privilege of working with Rachel. She was a dedicated and thoughtful OT and such a proud mom. She will be dearly missed. Margo Carkner
Dear Mike, Faith, Justine and family, We are so sorry to hear about Rachel. It is heartbreaking to lose someone so young and beloved by the family. You are in our thoughts. Alyson, Rod, and family
Words can not describe how much I will miss Rachel. Although we went separate ways after highschool, I have great memories of her and followed her Facebook posts over the years. Deepest condolences to all her family and friends.
Our deepest sympathies to the Jones family on the loss of Rachel. I remember well the close bond between the Jones siblings in our CDCI East days. Thinking of you all.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Rachel’s passing. She was a fellow dance mom-always present at every performance, making us moms laugh, and cheering on her girls and the rest of the team. She was always so proud of Tayla and Rylee, and rightly so- she raised such lovely, kind and talented girls. Rachel will be deeply missed in our dance community. My thoughts are with Rylee, Tayla and family through this incredibly difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Five Counties Children's Centre
I am in shock and extremely saddened to read this news about Rachel. She was always so supportive of everything her girls were involved in and always messaged me about how the girls felt about my teaching of them. My heartfelt condolences to the family and prayers for Rylee and Tayla at this very difficult time. Rachel has done an amazing job with these two wonderful, warm and loving young ladies. I love them dearly. Wishing you all peace and I pray that Rachel did not suffer in the end.
I’m very sorry to hear of the news of Rachel’s passing and I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the Jones family. Rest in peace dear Rachel. Stephen and Jennifer, Marisa, Gerda and Domenico Della Casa
Dr. And Mrs. Jones, Justine, Sarah, Graham and families, this is shocking and deeply saddening news. Rachel was a kind and brilliant soul, and I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Very fond memories during childhood of seeing her at the Jones residence before loading up to a soccer tournament or at a pool party, and coaching my younger brother in soccer. Always graceful, humble and kind. Sending my love xx
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you all. Much love from my family to yours, from Leigh Anne, Eila and Karl.
I’m very sorry to hear this sad news. Rachel was a great mother and a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Tayla and Rylee, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. It wasn’t that long ago that we chatted about the two of you, your accomplishments and she clearly was very proud of both of you. Keep your memories close, and she will be watching over you .
Sarah, Dr. and Mrs Jones, and the whole Jones family. I am so very sorry to hear of Rachel's passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you during this difficult time. Thoughts are with you all.
Dr Jones, Mrs Jones, Justine, Sarah, Graham, Tayla and Rylee - On behalf of the Ferguson family, words cannot express our shock at hearing the news of Rachel’s passing. From a young age, she had a sweetness, a kindness, and a soul who cared deeply for others. Dearest Sarah - your love for all your family shows, and I will forever remember wishing Rachel a Happy Birthday via your Facebook posts and getting her sweet “Thank you”. The photos of her in her younger years in these posts depict perfectly the Rachel I will forever remember. All of you will be in our thoughts as you navigate this difficult time, and it is our hope the memories you hold near and dear to your hearts will be of comfort. May she rest in the most peaceful serenity.
Tayla and Rylee, I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember your Mum the most by spending time in the Tae Kwon Do observation room. We spent so much time together there talking about parenting, schooling, and life’s challenges while we watched our children become Black Belts. She raised you both to be strong, dedicated, independent women and I know you will be that for you and for her! Please know that I’m thinking of you and am sending all my love.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Rachel. My condolences to you all.
Sending the Jones family love & support during this difficult time - especially her young ladies. She will be greatly missed. 💗🕊️
My condolences for your loss. Thinking of you Graham and all of the family and loved ones. So saddened to hear of Rachel’s passing.
To the entire family, The girls and I send our heartfelt condolences. I had the pleasure of meeting Rachel once Alisha and Tayla became friends, and I will always remember her as such a wonderful person and loving mother. I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your loss. Please know that we are keeping you in our love, thoughts, and prayers during this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Five Counties Children's Centre
Graham, Sarah and Justine, my deepest and sincerest condolences to you and your family at this terribly difficult time.
Sending love to the family. Our Condolences Jenn and Rob
Dear Tayla and Rylee and all of Rachel’s family… There are no words that a person could say! We are so very sorry to hear of this! She was a beautiful person and will be so dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Tom and Carol Ann
Rachel was an amazing woman who did so much to help children and families in our community. I first met Rachel in 2009 in a professional capacity and quickly was drawn to her. I always looked forward to seeing her and we always got eachother caught up on what our daughters were up to. She was so very proud of you both Tayla and Rylee, I hope you know that. She loved being your mother and it exuded in every conversation we had. I am so sad for your loss and will always think of her with deep respect and love.
I am so sad to hear of Rachel’s passing. She was an amazing lady who helped me so much in teaching. Her kindness radiated. She will be missed. I hope you find comfort in your memories. Sending my thoughts and love to the whole family, especially her daughters who she talked about all the time - I could tell she was so proud of them. My sincerest condolences.
Tayla and Rylee so sorry to hear of your mom passing.she was a very special mom.our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Rylee and Tayla, I am just so so sorry for your immense loss! 🙏💞 Peggy
Rachel’s love for her daughters, Rylee and Tayla, was at the very center of her world. She was a kind and supportive presence in our dance community, always ready to share her experience, offer a helping hand, or bring a laugh with her quick wit. Her warmth, generosity, and spirit touched so many of us, and she will be deeply, deeply missed.
Girls, I’m so sorry you lost your biggest champion. She loved you — with all her heart. She will always be part of who you are. You carry her love with you, every day. Dr Jones, sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family for the heartbreaking loss of Rachel.
Dr. Jones and family. We were sorry to hear of beautiful Rachel’s passing. Please know our family is thinking of you at this very difficult time. May your memories of her life bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Sending the entire family love & strength. I have fond memories of our time together from elementary school. Rachel was always a kind soul. May she rest in peace.
Dr. Jones and family. We were sorry to hear of beautiful Rachel’s passing. Please know our family is thinking of you at this very difficult time. May your memories of her life bring you comfort in the days ahead.
So very saddened to hear of Rachel's passing. I will miss our little chats at Terry Fox where we talked about high school at the East and what her girls were up to. Tayla and Rylee, I'm so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mom. My condolences to you and your family.
Rylee and Tayla, I am so sorry for you both. I truly admired your mom. She taught me so much about supporting kiddos in the classroom. I loved watching you both grow up through her Facebook posts, and when I ran into her at school or around town, she she always smiled as she talked about what you were up to. I am thinking of you both.
Tayla and Rylee - I am so saddened by the loss of your mom. She was so proud of you and we often chatted about your successes and futures. You both brought your mom so much joy. I always enjoyed the days your mom was at Terry Fox. We had many great visits and I will certainly miss her. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
We were so saddened to hear of Rachel's illness and subsequent passing. Our hearts break for you and your family during this incredibly diffictult time. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve. May you find comfort in the memories you shared and strength in the love of those around you.
Deepest condolences to the family. I knew Rachel in her role as an occupational therapist in schools. Conversations with Rachel made it very clear how much she cared about the children she supported. Her time here was short, but her impact can never be diminished.
Dear Jones family & Andrew, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You have been on my mind and in my heart this past week ❤️. Rachel will be missed at the many schools in which she worked with students. May sweet memories of Rachel comfort you during this difficult time.
Tayla, Rylee( my little "Brownies") and family, My heartfelt condolences to you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Brown
Rest in Peace Rachel 🙏 My deepest condolances to the family 🙏 God always takes the good ones first 😪 Cherish those memories ✨️ 💖 God Bless
Rachel’s family and Andrew, I’m saddened to hear of Rachel’s passing. My heart goes out to all of you.
Dear Dr. Jones and Family, What a lovely tribute to Rachel. My deepest condolences on her passing.
Tayla and Rylee I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. She loved to fill me in on all your activities and accomplishments. You were both such a light in her life. She will remain in your hearts forever. My condolences to your family as well. I will be praying for peace in your hearts as you go through this devastating loss.
Dr. Jones and Faith, we are saddened to hear of Rachel's death. Our thoughts are with you and all of your family. We are so sorry for your loss. The Hobart Family
To the Jones family Sending Condolencesat this sad time RIP Rachel
Sincere condolences to all the Jones family! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. To Tayla and Rylee condolences on the loss of your mom, I know your entire family will love and care for you as you go forward. You are part of a wonderful family!
Rachel was a valued colleague and friend. We have worked together so many years, and it was clear her girls and family were her pride and joy. I feel like I know you all from her stories. She will be greatly missed and sending healing hugs to the girls and family.
Love to Tayla and Rylee and the Jones family. We are remembering the loving and kind person Rachel was. Please know we are thinking of you all and sending love and hugs. The Stratford family
Thoughts and prayers to the whole Jones Clan. One of the OG St Mike's crew, we were together from Kindergarten to Grade 13. She was always the best of us in the classroom or on the field, court or track. Love you.
A bright light gone too soon. Deepest condolences to Rachel’s family and friends. Sincerely Tony and Carol Farren
To the Jones family . You have my sorrows. I was so saddened to hear this devastating news . Dr Jones , Mrs Jones Rylee and Tayla know that I am thinking of with loveand sadness ❤️
I will miss our daily chats/ check-ins, our comparisons of bruises as we accidentally walked into those corners and walls that keep “moving.” As I cut my hand on a hanging folder Wednesday morning, my first thought was how Rachel would laugh at me for this. Rachel’s light shined bright. She was like a big sister at work, lots of laughs, the occasional disagreement, but she always tried to be a voice of reason. She truly cared about everyone around her d her. My heart felt condolences to her whole family.
The parents and family of Rachel my condolences to you. A life gone too soon. We had often heard of Rachel, Tayla and Rylee and I have difficulty realizing their age now. Treasure the memories and the guidance of the mentor Rachel was.
Rachel was a wonderful colleague and I will greatly miss her sense of humour, and willingness to share knowledge that brightened the work day. When speaking with her it was always apparent that family, particularly her love and pride of her daughters, was paramount. With deepest sympathy to her family.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Rachel’s passing. She was a colleague and a friend. I will always remember her for her passion and dedication to the children she worked with and most importantly to her two girls. They were her world. I will cherish the memories and the laughs we shared over lunch room conversations. Although it was too short it was a life so beautifully lived. My heartfelt condolences go out to Tayla and Rylee and her family.
What a loving tribute to Rachel. I’m sorry and saddened to hear of her untimely death. Thinking of you all.
Sending my deepest condolences to all of Rachel’s family and friends. So very sad to lose such an amazing person at such a young age.
Condolences to the family and friends.
Rachel was not just a colleague to me she was a mentor and a friend. I enjoyed her clumsiness and the way she laughed at herself and others. If I ever needed reassurance as a person or a mother Rachel was always there for me and anyone who needed her. All she talked about was her girls, you could see her pride and love radiating when she spoke. Rachel I will miss your trails of popcorn and Kleenex and watching you drink Pepsi while we chatted about our allergies and life! Love you Rachey-poo
Thinking of Rachel's family. So sad to learn of her life cut short. My deepest condolences.
I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences condolences to Tayla and Rylee, and family
I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences condolences to Tayla and Rylee, and family