Rachel Pfanner
Niantic — Rachel E. Silverman Pfanner, 48, of Niantic, passed away peacefully at home March 27, 2023, after a long courageous battle with MSA (Multiple Systems Atrophy). Rachel was born in Schenectady, N.Y., to Jerome S. Silverman and Sharon L. Silverman on Sept. 21, 1974.
She graduated from Shaker High School in Latham, N.Y., in 1992. Growing up, Rachel developed a love for architecture and was accepted into the architectural program at Roger Williams College. She enjoyed her studies, but soon was faced with the reality that her disability was hindering her ability to do detailed architectural work, and was forced to change her major. Rachel, as she always did, chose a new direction, and started to study historic preservation. In 1994, while at Roger Williams, she met her future husband, Robert D. Pfanner. Rachel left RWC due to health issues and moved back home. In 1995, Rachel moved to Connecticut to begin her life with Bob in East Lyme. Rachel worked for Filenes, Limited and Limited Too. She enrolled at Mitchell College to begin a new direction and studied early childhood development.
Rachel married the love of her life Oct. 2, 1999, at St. Clement’s Castle. She graduated in 2001 and began to teach in the Head Start Program. Rachel helped many children in her time as a teacher, but she was forced to leave teaching because of her health. Rachel spent the next part of her life doing crafts of all kinds. She enjoyed making jewelry and selling her items at craft fairs. She then got into rubber stamping and creating greeting cards and photo albums for her family and friends. Days were spent, and sometimes nights, making items for everyone. It was a passion she was able to do for her remaining years.
Rachel is predeceased by her grandparents, Annette and Sam Routenberg and Anna and Joe Silverman. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert D. Pfanner “Bobby;” father Jerome Silverman (Mary Ann); her mother Sharon Silverman (Jeffrey); sister Melissa Bourgeois; brother David Bourgeois (Anna); sister-in-law Jill P. Lloyd (Jay); uncle Dr. Larry Routenberg (Rise’); cousins: Melissa Breaud (Colin), Evan Routenberg (Amelie) and Robbie Routenberg (Heather); and nieces and nephews: McKenna, Ethan, Claire, Landon and Morgan (Charlie); and also her fur babies, Riley and Lily.
Rachel was cared for by her loving husband and her PCAs, Deb Addo, Niko Pysyk and Krista Raffo; her VNA nurse Lauren and PCA Danielle; and many others who went above and beyond for Rachel.
The funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 12, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rachel’s name to Connecticut Community Care “Independent Living Fund” (info at ctcommunitycare.org/give-a-gift) in Rachel’s memory. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the family may be shared at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.