Rachelle Marie Amira passed away on November 18,2017, a week before her 47^th birthday, and after a long struggle with cancer, at Weill Cornell Hospital in New York City.

One of twelve children born to Theodore and Carol (Moran) Longnecker, Rachelle, along with her twin sister Renee, was born on November 25, 1970 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. She attended Springstead High School in Spring Hill, Fla.

She gave birth to a beautiful daughter in 1992. Ten years later, and after her divorce, she met Frank Maro on a business trip in Lyon, France. They soon welcomed two boys and raised their family in Rye.

At the age of 39, Ms. Amira was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Initially given three years to live, she survived for more than seven years with grace and courage.

Art was the other love of her life. Known for her paintings and refurbished furniture, she possessed a happy “bohemian vibe”.

Her family said, “We’re so grateful for her artwork, which serves as a beautiful reminder of the love and light Rachelle brought to everyone.”

Her strength and resilience, said her family, were remarkable. “She greeted every treatment with a smile and every setback was an inspiration to live longer. She never considered the fact that death was a possibility. Every day was a new chance to beat this disease. Rachelle taught us all to make the most of the present moment and to smile through the hard times.”

In addition to her three children, Alexis, Frank and Michael, and her partner, Frank Maro, she is survived by her brothers: Randy, John, Teddy, Steven, Daniel, Gerald, and Timothy, and her sisters: Renee, Julie, Linda, and Lynette. 

A celebration of Rachelle Amira’s life was held November 22 at Rye Presbyterian Church.

For those would like to make donations in her memory, the family asks that contributions be made to the family fund set up on You Caring, www.youcaring.com/rachelleamira-1015816.