Rachel Manwell

Rachel "Daisy" Manwell died peacefully in her home in Champaign, IL on Saturday, May 4, 2024. She was born in Basel, Switzerland on August 6, 1928. In her early teens she moved with her widowed mother to the state of Washington. Her parents, Fred and Marie Ratz, preceded her in death. Her beloved son, Fred Manwell, of Maryville, IL survives.

She was formerly married to Clyde Patrick Manwell, now deceased. They lived an academic life in San Diego,CA before moving to Champaign with their young son in the early 1960s. She spoke four languages, established the UIUC Language Learning Unit in the College of Liberal Arts, and led student study groups to other countries. Her extensive travels included a year in Chile and several trips to India.

A woman of many interests and talents, Rachel loved music, gardening, art, and nature. She played flute in the Parkland Orchestra and became a certified Illinois Master Gardner, creating the lovely gardens surrounding her home, which is filled with art and with mosaics which she createdsome in collaboration with her son. She was an avid swimmer, mindful of staying healthy and exercising. Meditation was an important component of her life; she was a follower of Sathya Sai Baba, an Indian Guru and philanthropist.

After suffering a broken hip in 2022, Rachel was able to fulfill her wish to remain in her home with the assistance of caring help from Home Instead and her family of close friends. She will be greatly missed by those who love her.

Rachel was a member of NAMI and worked diligently for the well-being of those with mental illness. Contributions in her memory may be made to this organization, or an organization of the donors choice.

A private celebration of life service will be held at a later date.