Rachelle Thomas, 89, of Las Vegas, NV, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, at the Nathan Adelson Hospice Center.

Born on April 27, 1936, in Brockton, Massachusetts, Rachelle graduated from Whitman High School and later from the Williams School of Business, where she proudly served as Vice President of her class and Editor of the yearbook. She began her career as a draftsman at the phone company—a remarkable achievement for a young woman at that time.

In 1956 she married Bill Johansen (deceased), and together they had 3 beautiful children. She was a devoted mother to her late son Bill (Sophia) Johansen, and to her two daughters, Linda (Max) James and Laurie (Joe) Mazzola.

Rachelle’s legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren: Nicole, Michael, Christopher, Gina, Rick (Julie)and Analisa; great-grandchildren: Dominic, Nevaeh, Casey, Connor, Kaylina (Teeter), Lindsey, Jordan, Katy, Alli, Lili, and Mabel; and great-great-grandchildren Willow, Colton, Eliza Mae and Presley Jane. She loved each and every one of them deeply.

Rachelle was a woman of deep faith and immense heart. She taught Sunday school for years, even writing a special song just for her class. Her spirituality was a guiding force in her life, and she believed that giving to others wasn’t just something you did—it was a way of life.

She held leadership roles in the health and wellness industry, working her way up to Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Diet Ease, overseeing 78 locations across multiple states. She later founded her own business, Dynamic Self Discoveries, empowering individuals through counseling and personal development classes.

In her 60s, she went back to school to earn her degree in cosmetology and massage therapy—a testament to her lifelong passion for helping others feel their best. Even as she battled fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, she continued to give generously of her time and talents.

A gifted crafter, Rachelle crocheted and knitted blankets for our veterans, created beautiful pinecone Christmas trees, handmade wreaths, and scrapbooked treasured memories and creating individual Horoscope charts. She offered free manicures and pedicures to nursing home residents, bringing joy and dignity to their days.

Rachelle lived at Red Rock Pointe Retirement Community In Las Vegas before moving in with her daughter, a place she truly loved. There, she found deep friendships and joy in organizing card games, spreading cheer, and ensuring no one ever felt alone—especially during the holidays, when she handed out Christmas cards to everyone.

Rachelle had a heart as big as her smile. She believed deeply in kindness, service, and faith. Her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations in Rachelle’s memory to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital fundraising.stjude.org

One Simple Wish, a foster care organization www.onesimplewish.org or your local Foster Care Connection.  She believed that no child should be without a loving home.

If you live in Las Vegas or just want to come and celebrate Rachelle, we will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 21 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Red Rock Pointe Retirement Community. 4445 So. Grand Canyon Drive Las Vegas, NV 89147. Hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served.

Rachelle Thomas will be remembered for her compassion, resilience, creativity, and unwavering love for her family. She was truly one of a kind.

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