Rachel Maria Rodino

Slingerlands - Rachel Maria Rodino, 8, died on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at the St. Peter's Hospice Inn after a long illness. She was born on March 21, 2002. She is survived by her loving family; her parents Rick and Lori Rodino; siblings Anthony, Gianna, Giulia and Ricky; her grandfather Richard C. Bernard; her grandmother Ann Rodino. Rachel is also survived by her Aunts Renee and Lisa (Mark); her Uncles Rick (Rose), Joe, and Sam as well as several cousins. She is predeceased by her maternal grandmother Laura Bernard and paternal grandfather Al Rodino. Rachel had juvenile Huntington's disease for the last two years. Her courage, strength, smile and love helped her live with this disease with grace and tenacity every day. Butterflies are a symbol to always remember her by; she loved trying to catch them as a young child. Rachel touched many hearts along her journey and was an inspiration to all of us. Lori would like to extend a special thank you to Jeanann and Jen; she could not have gone through this without them; Gail and the St. Peter's Hospice Inn who took such great care of her and of course her doctors, Dr. Leary and her team, Dr. Foster, Dr. Nichter and the staff; Kathy Burbank from the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce and all the members; Nancy from Christ the King and all the parishioners; all the many neighbors, friends and our community who embraced Rachel and her family. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Christ the King RC Church, 20 Sumter Ave, Albany followed by an interment in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland. Friends may call Friday, April 9, 2010 from 3 PM to 7 PM at the Church. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather at the Church on Friday at 6:30 PM for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. . Donations may be made payable in Rachel's memory to the "Trustees of Columbia University" the memo of the check must read "Huntington's Research" and mailed to Karen Marder, MD, 630 West 168 street, P and S Box 16, New York, New York 10032.