Rachel Lorraine Conover, passed away on April 8, 2026, in Manchester, Connecticut, after a long and courageous battle with rectal cancer. She was 50 years old. Born on March 15, 1976, in Tampa, Florida, she spent most of her adult life in Connecticut, where she built a life marked by resilience, warmth and creativity.

Rachel was the beloved mother of her 16-year-old son, Collin Wilcox of Bristol, Connecticut. She is also survived by her parents, Mary Conti Arterton and Mark Arterton of Bridgton, Maine; her brothers, Mark Arterton Jr. and Kurt Arterton, both of Bridgton, Maine; and her niece, Ava Arterton of Windham, Maine. She leaves behind her loving companion, Salvador Belcaro of Connecticut, who remained faithfully by her side and provided her with constant love and support throughout her illness. Rachel was also surrounded by a wide circle of caring family members and friends who stood with her during her long struggle and gave her strength when she needed it most. There have been many who were there for Rachel during her illness and without them she would have given up sooner. Her sons father Joshua Wilcox, Alicia, Jenn, Lisa, Karley, Liz just to name a few of the many. Rachel has been blessed with so many wonderful people in her short life.

A lover of music, Rachel attended many concerts and found joy in the energy and emotion that music brought her. She also had a deep appreciation for nature and was especially drawn to crystals, which reflected her thoughtful and spiritual side. She had a great fondness for cats and leaves behind three cherished feline companions. Rachel found beauty in the world around her and took comfort in the simple things that brought peace and meaning to her days.

Rachel graduated from Grasso Southeastern Technical High School in Groton, Connecticut, and later became a certified massage therapist. She also worked as a bartender in many clubs throughout Connecticut, where she became known for her signature cocktail. Her work reflected her outgoing personality and her ability to bring something special to every place she was part of. She was proud of her accomplishments and of the life she built through hard work and determination.

Rachel will be remembered with love by all who knew her. Her family and friends will forever hold close the memory of her strength, her laughter, her compassion, and her devotion to her son and loved ones. Though her time here was far too short, the impact she made will remain in the hearts of many. A private service will be held for immediate family and very close friends, and a celebration of life for Rachel will be held at a later date. To leave an online condolences please visit www.holmeswatkins.com.

“I search for threads of you

Everywhere I go,

I find you in the small crevices of life and in the bottomless canyons

I find you in the ordinarily beige moments and in conspicuous beauty

I long for morsels of your presence

In everything I do.

…Even when it means feeling blooded by the shards of grief,

And the breathtakingly painful

Presence of your absence

I will always look for you

And I will always find you

As long as I can love.”

Dr. Joanne Cacciatore