Rachel Musgrove, age 87, a former resident of Lisle, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2020, at Saratoga Grove Assisted Living in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Rachel was born June 3, 1932 in the Bronx, New York to her parents Angela and Raymond Picon. Rachel was the youngest of seven children raised by her mother Angela in a railroad style apartment in the South Bronx neighborhood. Rachel's mother worked as a seamstress in a factory during the day and occasionally into the night. Although there was no father figure in her upbringing there were strong family dynamics which were supported by her Grandmother Antonia, lovingly known as Mamma Mia and her Uncle Pepe (Angela's Brother). Despite the depression and family struggles they were a strong and close-knit family and would remain so throughout her entire life.

Known as "Little Rachel," she always had aspirations of becoming a nurse, but her family was financially challenged. Her older brothers and sisters realizing this dream worked to pool together enough money to put her through school where she would graduate with high honors. It was during this time that she went to Florida on vacation with her girfriends where she would meet and fall in love with a young man named Duncan Gardner from Chicago. Following her heart, Rachel would ultimately leave her family and life in New York to start a new life with Duncan in Chicago. They married shortly thereafter on July 18, 1953 in New York. Although her family was back in New York should would remain in close contact with them for the rest of her life.

Duncan and Rachel bought a modest split-level home on Forest Ave in Glen Ellyn. Duncan worked as a machinist and Rachel worked as a nurse at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. In this home they would raise three beautiful children Peggy, Michael and Scott. Rachel worked hard to balance her life as a wife, mother and career woman. Her hard work and dedication would pay off as she was promoted to Director of Nursing at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. She continued her education by qualifying for the Master's Program at Illinois Benedictine College, graduating with her Masters of Science in Health Management on May 20, 1989. Rachel's management position at EMH lasted well over 25 years.

Once her children were on their own, she moved to a  condominium in Glen Ellyn where she would meet a tall bachelor named Clayton Musgrove. They fell in love and were married on December 22, 1990. She would later receive the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Presidential award in 1993 for her lifetime work and commitment to nursing. Rachel was always a passionate caregiver. This would include the care for her son Michael who was involved in a tragic car accident in 1983 leaving him in a coma for many weeks. After a full recovery the effects of that accident would sadly take his life on November 23, 1995.

A few years later Rachel decided that she would retire from Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and move with her husband Clay to Blue Ash, Ohio to be closer to Clay's employer and his family. Rachel's dedicated nursing career continued at Blue Ash Hospital. During this time they would plan their future retirement in Florida. They settled in a golf course community in Sebring, Florida with beautiful views of the 18th Fairway. They lived their days in retirement with good friends, family, golfing and loving life.

She was preceded in death by Duncan Gardner, Jr, sister in law Margaret (Robert) Anderson, Clayton Musgrove, and her son Michael Gardner. Her brothers and sisters including Obidio, Frances Berkey, Angelo, William, Alice Howland, Delia Cruz and Gilbert Sanchez.

She is survived by her children Peggy (John III) Lewe, daughter in law Grace Gardner and Scott (Annie) Gardner. Rachel's grandchildren John (Rachel) Lewe IV, Brandon (Anne) Lewe, Christopher Lewe, Michael, Brendan, Krystal, Scotty, Matthew and Nikkie and great granddaughter Kate Lewe. Special friend Walter Hoja and many special cousins.

Memorial gifts to Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter would be appreciated.