Rachael Marie Samulenok , 26, Minot, passed away at the University of Minnesota Hospital, Fairview on Monday, September 28, 2009 after a lifelong battle with a congenital heart defect.

Rachael was born December 12, 1982 in Minot at St. Joseph's Hospital to Sylvester "Chet" and Sharon (Kitsch) Samulenok.

Rachael attended Little Flower Catholic Elementary School and Bishop Ryan Catholic High School. She was active in band, playing Clarinet. She enjoyed being a cheer leader for a short time until her health made it impossible.

In May, Rachael went to Minneapolis to be placed in the priority heart transplant list, and then became ill shortly after, requiring frequent hospitalization. The hospitality and friendship of our dear friends, Mary Nordenstrom and her husband Jerry made the stay in Minneapolis bearable and even comfortable.

Rachael attended the heart transplant support group at the University Hospital where she met the Second Chance for Life Group for patients waiting for transplants or dealing with artificial hearts. This group facilitated enormous growth for Rachael as a person and her is family is grateful to them for all of their support.

Knowing that she was not able to be an organ donor, Rachael donated her heart and lungs to the Jesse E. Edwards Registry of Cardiovascular Disease in St. Paul, Minnesota to further the cause of medical knowledge for complicated conditions like hers.

Rachael is survived by her mother, Sharon, her sisters, Sara and Megan, brother, Bill and his wife Jamie. Rachael was a most special Auntie to her nieces, Sarika and Sofia, and her nephews, Alexander and Landin. She is also survived by a special group of women, "The Aunties," who made life more complete. Rachael will also be missed by a large extended family and close group of friends. She wanted it known that she missed her friends and deeply wished she could be with them again.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot.
Recitation of the Rosary: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot
Interment: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Max, ND at a later date.
Visitation: Tuesday, October 6, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.