Rachel Beth Cane was born in the Bronx, New York, on May 23, 1966, to Helene and Sy Cane. She attended PS 95, JHS 141, and Bronx High School of Science. As a child she became interested in American Sign Language (ASL) and in Yiddish, which she heard spoken by her grandparents and learned at the Workmen’s Circle school. She went to Amherst College, where she studied linguistics and psychology and developed a love for Massachusetts. After graduation, she moved to the Boston area and lived in Cambridge, Somerville, and finally Concord. Rachel’s interest in languages became a lifelong passion and ultimately was expanded to include French, German, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish, along with Yiddish and ASL.
Rachel’s career was dedicated to serving the Deaf community as a freelance interpreter, initially in a wide range of settings, but more recently working exclusively to support Deaf faculty and students at the Boston University Department of Education. Rachel was driven by a passion to help other people. She was an advocate for social justice and animal rights and could not stand to witness suffering.
Rachel met Anthony (Tony) Keefe on a bike ride to Walden Pond organized by a mutual friend in 2002. Rachel and Tony were married in 2009, and it was on their weekend bike rides together that they fell in love with Concord, where they bought a house in 2016.
Rachel was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme in May 2022 and fought this terrible disease for two-and-a-half years with resolve, courage, and humor. She participated in two clinical trials, but gradually became increasingly debilitated and ultimately succumbed to its ravages. Rachel’s most admired skill was her ability to connect with people, and it was the seemingly never-ending succession of visitors to her bedside that sustained her and buoyed her spirits throughout her long illness.
Rachel is survived by her husband, Tony; her brother, Jonathan Cane, and his wife, Nicole SinQuee; and her nephew, Simon Cane; along with three cousins and their families.
Arrangements are entrusted to Casper Funeral and Cremation Services. A celebration of Rachel’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 8, at the deCordova Museum in Lincoln.
