It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Rachel Anne Postma, age 28—a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, and dear friend—who lived a life defined by kindness, humor, resilience, and extraordinary strength. On February 3, 2026, Rachel was surrounded by her family, who prayed with her as she triumphantly entered the gates of heaven and into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, following complications from a triple organ transplant.
Rachel was born on September 12, 1997, in Chesapeake, Virginia. She was raised in South Lyon, Harbor Springs, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rachel later lived in Detroit and traveled throughout the country in pursuit of specialized medical care, always facing each new challenge with courage and determination.
Rachel made an instant and lasting impact on everyone she met—and on thousands she never would. From the young age of six months, when she faced severe heart complications, through her heart transplant at age 12, and even beyond her passing, Rachel’s life advanced the boundaries of medical science and discovery. Her bravery, perseverance, generosity, and divine humility were nothing short of miraculous, and her legacy will continue to touch lives for generations to come.
Rachel never asked for special favors, nor did she want to be treated differently because of illness or disability. She wished to be known as the independent young woman she was—earning her way through life on her own merits. Her family, friends, and followers cherished her beautiful smile, authentic spirit, radiant sense of humor, and the light she brought into every space she entered.
She embraced life fully and passionately. Rachel loved to travel, spend days at the beach, go boating and camping, explore nature, or simply snuggle with a friend. She was accomplished in skiing, tennis, and dancing, and delighted in trying new foods and restaurants, attending live concerts, watching new movie releases, and enjoying anything outdoors.
Rachel will also be remembered for her honesty and transparency—she never left you guessing. Her love for the arts and her deep compassion for animals were inspiring. Rarely without a camera, she captured countless moments that now remain treasured memories. Her beloved pets—Louis, Molly, Kelsey, Tucker, Jenna, and Sonali—were an important part of her family and provided constant love and comfort throughout her journey.
Rachel leaves behind a profound void in the hearts of many, including her parents, Joel (Jennifer) and Heidi; siblings, Benjamin, Jonathan, Andrew, Isabella, Morgan, Madeline, Maximus; her grandparents Joyce Heetderks, Robyn Groendyke, and Daniel Timmer; along with many loving aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John Heetderks, Philip and Sara Postma; and her beloved aunt, Judy Vander Ark.
In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord…—reminding us that His purpose is good and that He calls us to trust in Him. Rachel lived with that faith and trusted God fully.
See you soon, Rach!
Family will greet friends and relatives from 2-4PM & 6-8PM on Monday, February 16, 2026, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11AM, at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, 7495 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, with visitation one hour prior. Interment Rudyard Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, 8935 Thompson Rd, Lake Odessa, MI 48849; Gift of Life Michigan, 3861 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108; Make A Wish – Michigan.
Services will be livestreamed and be accessible by the following link: https://youtube.com/live/webTc-l_h2A?feature=share
21 Responses
I never had the pleasure of meeting Rachel, but my mother helped care for her at Mott. Nothing but the kindest of words was ever said about her. God bless.
Rest in peace Rachel ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Rachel was a wonderful young woman and week be greatly missed. My prayers are with the Postma family during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Rachel was a wonderful young woman and will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the Postma family during this difficult time.
Our Hearts and Prayers are with you All🙏💞
Rachel had such a Beautiful Heart💞 and so much kindness.
Sending Our Sympathy 🙏
Kathy and Brooke Slabaugh
Our Hearts and Prayers are with you All🙏💞
Rachel had such a Beautiful Heart💞 and so much kindness.
Sending Our Sympathy 🙏
Kathy and Brooke Slabaugh
There are many heavy hearts in Harbor Springs. Rachel left such a positive impact on her former classmates and teachers, even years after moving away. Sending love to her family during this incredibly difficult time.
Rachel’s life is a beautiful testimony of the everlasting power of Jesus Christ. She is the standard of perseverance through trials and is safely home in Jesus’ arms forever.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all.
She will forever be in our hearts. I don’t think she knew what an impact she made on our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Postma family.
So very sorry for your loss, I remember when your sweet girl was born. My prayers are with your family.
Joel and Family,
From your friends in Norfolk, VA, our sincere condolences.
Prayers to you Heidi and your family.
Joel, Heidi, family, and friends,
I am so saddened to learn of Rachel’s passing. I, along with your Norfolk Office family, remember when she was born. Sending you love and prayers.
Joel & Family;
I am truly sorry to learn of the loss of your daughter. I remember what a beautiful baby she was when you brought her to office celebrations in Norfolk. Sending hugs and my sincere condolences across the miles.
Cindy Joyner Micklos
Rachel moved to Harbor Springs when she was in 4th grade and she was enrolled in my class. As a new student, she made friends quickly. She was kind, enthusiastic, and always smiling. It was a pleasure to get to know her and to be her teacher!
I am sending love and prayers to Joel, Heidi, and the whole family.
Barb Austin
I got to know Rachel over the summer months thru Her mother’s love of sharing and caring for her. I even got the opportunity to help out once in a while & find out her love for cooking like me & chicken salad & dining out for oysters. I also got to share her with my friends & family. And Her enduring love for her grandmother was always a joy to witness. She will always be a treasured blessing to all who loved her if even for a short time. Thank you God for aligning our paths to meet and the many gifts it gave us.
Heidi, Joel , and handsome brothers, we all hold you so close in our hearts and prayers. We are so grateful for the faith you shared with us all & the journey of life and true love. God Bless.
It was such a pleasure meeting Rachel and her family at the University of Chicago. We only knew her for 3 months but in that time we saw a beautiful, courageous, determined, young woman. She will always share a piece of our heart. She will be Remembered always!
I had kept Rachel in my prayers for nearly a decade now. I’ll remember her courage and hope for a better future. Some may remember a basketball benefit game we had in the Detroit area many years ago. It was a beautiful event during which many got to meet Rachel as the positive, outgoing young woman she was. My deepest condolences to the family. My prayers now are she’s in a better place, free of the struggles that made her too-short life difficult. Rest in peace, Rachel.
Our prayers are with the Postma family in this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss and pray you feel the comforting arms of the Holy Spirit around you in the coming days. Our only hope is in Jesus, where Rachel is now wrapped in his love and rejoicing! She is no longer restricted by her earthly struggles. We pray peace and comfort to her family until they meet her again.
It was a pleasure meeting Rachel and seeing the beautiful relationship she had with those closest to her.
My deepest condolences, Ella. Her beautiful spirit and love with forever live within you. The bond you shared was so beautiful to see. She will forever be missed and always be celebrated. May she rest in peace.
Love love love you!
Dear Postma Family
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of your beautiful daughter Rachel. We are sending our deepest sympathy and healing prayers during this difficult time. Love, Pat and Cathy Buse Family.