Rachel Ann (Donley) McCurdy, 64, retired choral director and loving mother, passed away peacefully at Defiance CHP Hospice Center on May 15, 2015, following a heroic five year battle with cancer that she fought with grace and dignity. She was surrounded by the prayerful support of her family and loved ones. Rachel, born January 8, 1951, spent her youth on her parents' farm outside of Ney, Ohio diligently practicing piano, caring for her siblings, preparing meals, and helping her parents with the farming where she developed her strong work ethic and nurturing personality. At Fairview High School, she received a 4.0 GPA, played the saxophone, and accompanied the high school choir, graduating in 1969. In 1973, she received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, graduating magna cum laude from Defiance College. A talented and expressive musician, she studied voice, piano, and organ under Dr. Carolyn Small and Dr. Richard Stroede; taught piano lessons; was soprano soloist for the annual Defiance College performance of Handel's Messiah for many years at St. John United Church of Christ; and performed lead roles and was piano accompanist for the Hicksville Village Players and Fort Defiance Players. Upon graduating from Defiance College, she accepted the position of vocal music director at Central Local Schools where she dedicated her talents for 39 years. A lover of Rodgers and Hammerstein, she directed 36 musicals, countless dinner theatres and concerts, and performed yearly at OMEA adjudicated events. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of many with her love and passion for music. Though an exemplary and highly respected music educator, she never accepted the accolades and wished only to share her appreciation for music and instill confidence in her students, letting them take the bows and feel the spotlight. Rachel's strong faith led her to devote many years as a church musician. She spent time as choir director and/or accompanist at all of the following: Ney United Methodist, St. John Lutheran (Hicksville), Grace United Methodist, Farmer United Methodist, and Christ United Methodist (Wauseon). She was also the lead singer and keyboardist for the Christian singing group, The Doorkeepers, in Hicksville in the 1970's. Rachel married James McCurdy on May 24, 1980. Together they raised their three children to be caring individuals with a strong devotion to family. She was a great supporter and nurturer of her children's dreams and always encouraged them to follow their hearts. She attended every performance and show, embraced every moment spent, and always listened and guided lovingly, never missing a chance to applaud and smile with pride from the audience. Her family's love and devotion to her is a reflection of the thoughtful and giving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt she was to those she held dear. Rachel is survived by her husband, James of Sherwood; three children, Amanda (Matthew) Rasey of Waterville, Kyle McCurdy of Sherwood, and Carissa McCurdy of Brunswick, Maine; two grandchildren, Harper and Holden Rasey; siblings, Jack (Barbara) Donley of Hicksville, Barbara (Ron) Renollet of Montpelier, Susan (Matthew) Slawinski of Defiance, and sister-in-law, Freda Donley of Auburn, Indiana, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis (Mike) and MaryBelle Donley and her brother Robert Donley. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 7 at 4:00 pm at the Archbold United Methodist Church with Rev. David David officiating. Friends may call prior to the service from 1:00-3:30 pm. A private family burial will take place on Monday, June 8 at the Ney Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be given to the Fairview High School Chorus, Archbold United Methodist Music Ministries, or CHP Defiance Area Hospice.