Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

January 19, 1942 - May 21, 2017

Age 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones May 21, 2017 at Asbury Heights Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Schenectady, New York to parents Samuel and Sarah Weingarten, Rachel later received a Bachelor of Arts in French at the University of Pittsburgh.

Rachel married Alexander Elion and was a loving mother to three children: John (Sandy Boggs), Jenni (Will Woltz) and Jeanne (Michael McMullen). Later married to Raymond DeVries she added Naomi (Mark Pomerantz) and was a mother figure to his children Michael and Tracy (Tony Bahou).

Immensely talented in so many ways, there was nothing she could not do. Having studied ballet, piano and guitar growing up, she was passionate about the fine arts. Rachel was the backbone of many community theaters including Stage 62 and South Park Conservatory Theater as well as Harmony Singers and wore numerous hats on and off stage such as director, producer, stage manager. She performed in numerous productions; favorite musical roles were Gypsy (Mama Rose), Sweet Charity (Charity), Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider), and Fiddler on the Roof (Golde, Yente); favorite comedic roles included You Can't Take it With You (Grand Duchess), and Noises Off (Dotty). She will be remembered most, however, as the costumer for countless productions.

In September 1994, Rachel was honored for her contributions to community theater with the Volunteer in the Arts (VITA) award sponsored by CNG through WQED. She later received the VITA of the Year award for 1994-95. Previously, Rachel was recognized with the Good Neighbor Award by the Bethel Park Chamber of Commerce in 1987.

Professionally, Rachel worked at Spotlight Costumes for over 15 years, delighted that her efforts appeared on Broadway, various national tours and many Civic Light Opera productions. Among her proudest works were The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and The King and I. Prior to Spotlight, Rachel was a seamstress for Tomasina's bridal salon where she sewed a dress featured in an episode of the popular television series Spin City.

Not just a master seamstress, Rachel was gifted in other mediums as well and was often painting, making dolls or macramé, and enjoyed knitting and crochet. She was truly an artist extraordinaire.

Rachel was a member of Christ United Methodist Church but never forgot her Jewish heritage. An active volunteer, she sang for Chancel Choir and rang bells in the Carillon Choir. She participated in crafting blankets for hospitalized cancer patients and led the congregation in Passover Seder.

Perhaps Rachel's most closely guarded secret was that as her children left the nest, she opened her home giving temporary refuge to women fleeing domestic abuse.

At the twilight of a life well lived she basked at being a part of the Asbury Heights family. An active resident, she could always be found amongst friends playing pinochle, shooting pool or crafting a project. She was an Asbury Angel and served the Asbury News and the residents' council. Joining this tight-knit crew, she continued to touch many lives and will be deeply missed.

Also, mourning the loss are her four grandchildren, Caitlyn, Adrienne, Wolf, and Samuel. In addition, Rachel is survived by her sister Ella (Howard Iams).

The family wishes to thank ViaQuest hospice and Asbury Heights skilled nursing for their extraordinary care and compassion.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park, followed by a reception 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Friends are welcome at either or both.

Memorial donations may be made to Asbury Foundation, 700 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 or Christ United Methodist Church Music Ministry, 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102.

Arrangements handled by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227.