Rachael Simasek

On March 7th, 2026, Rachael Simasek (nee Barba) of Herndon, VA, lost her 15 year battle with lung cancer.  After four painful months of surgeries and numerous hospital stays, she elected hospice care and died peacefully free from the pain and anxiety that were her constant companion in most of her final months.  Rachael would point out that she's in a better place... with God, friends, family, dogs, coffee, pasta, and dolce.  She made it abundantly clear that her husband and daughter would be remiss if they didn't thank the caregivers, friends, and family who supported her throughout her medical misfortunes.

Besides being survived by her husband, Jon, and daughter, Sasha; Rachael left numerous friends and family scattered throughout the US--VA, GA, FL, PA, MN, NJ, DE, MD, OH, KS ...  In addition to the much appreciated support offered to her family by those she knew; many reflected on her kind, considerate, and generous nature, the support she provided during tough times, and how thoughtful she was--especially the cards, thoughtful gifts, and food she sent!

For very personal reasons, Rachael was adamant that there be no wake or service and that the burial of her cremains be a private family function.

For those wishing to pay her charitable giving forward; please make a donation to her favorite cause, the American Belgian Malinois Rescue ( www.malinoisrescue.org ) and mention her boy Rex!  For those wishing for a more direct, human impact, feel free to donate to the American Lung Association ( action.lung.org ).