The Blenheim community is mourning the death of Rachel Hutchinson (née Mortimer), a beloved mother, wife, nana, and former footballer, who passed away following complications from heart surgery.
Rachel died on Tuesday night at Wellington Hospital, surrounded by her family, a detail that says everything about the kind of life she lived. Not distant, not disconnected, but rooted in people who showed up for her the same way she showed up for them.
She was remembered first through her roles in family, as a mother, wife, nana, sister, aunty, daughter, and friend. Those titles aren’t filler. They’re the real résumé. The kind that actually matters when everything else stops.
Beyond family, Rachel left her mark on the field as part of the Trojans women’s football team. And not in a quiet, background way. One tribute recalled her as “a great all-rounder” and noted she once scored “a goal from our side of halfway,” which is the kind of moment people don’t forget. She also stepped in as a goalkeeper when needed, doing whatever the team required.
But even that wasn’t the main thing. The same tribute made it clear: “Above all she was a fabulous person who we will all miss terribly.” That’s the through-line in everything said about her.
A funeral service to celebrate Rachel’s life will be held in Blenheim at Sowmans at 11am on Thursday, April 9th, with a livestream available for those unable to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Life Flight.
Rachel Hutchinson’s obituary reflects a life grounded in family, teamwork, and presence. The kind of person who leaves behind stories, not just sadness.