Rachel Beth Epstein

WORCESTER - Rachel Beth Epstein, 27, has earned her wings and is now soaring with the angels. Rachel left us on Friday, December 12, 2025 surrounded in love by her parents.

Rachel is the daughter of Sherri Sigel and Kenneth Epstein, and step-daughter to Denise Forbes & Claire (Marlowe) Epstein. She is the beloved sister of Jessica Epstein, and granddaughter of George Sigel and Elsa Epstein. She was predeceased by her grandmother, Carole Sigel and grandfather Eugene Epstein.

Rachel has spent most of her life in Worcester attending public schools and bringing smiles and laughter to whomever she met. She spent the past 10 years living at Seven Hills Pediatric Center in Groton, MA. Through Rachel’s life, she had the most wonderful and loving therapists, teachers and caregivers. Along with her family, these people greatly contributed to Rachel’s longevity.

In spite of having Canavan Disease, Rachel was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a pioneer in receiving some of the world’s first gene therapy under the direction of Dr. Paola Leone. She also inspired Dr. Guangping Gao to re-ignite his quest to cure Canavan, and a successful clinical trial is now under way. She has left a legacy that will be long remembered.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Sunday, December 14th at Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

Shiva will be held Monday through Wednesday from 7-9 at the residence of Sherri Sigel & Denise Forbes.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rachel’s memory may be made to National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association, 2001 Beacon Street #204, Brighton, MA 02135.