Date of death: 7/23/2019
Saint Meinrad Class: S 2002
Sister Rachel Best (formerly Helen Regina) 86, died peacefully on July 23rd at St. Paul Hermitage where she was a resident. She was born on February 2, 1933 to Charles and Helen Best, in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. After entering Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, Indiana in 1952, she made her First Monastic Profession in 1954 and her Perpetual Monastic Profession in 1957. Sister is a founding member of Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, Indiana where she celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2012.
Sr. Rachel attended New Albany High School and graduated from Academy Immaculate Conception prior to receiving a BA in Education from St. Benedict College and a Master’s in Education from Catherine Spalding College. She was an Educator, Principal, Director of Religious Education and Director of Spirituality. Sr. Rachel served her Religious Community as Subprioress and Prioress. She served at various schools and religious institutions in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Kiren (Bob), Charles (Chalk) and Arthur Best, and her sister, Alginet Banet. She is survived by her Religious Community, her sisters, Rose Lang of Bradenton, Florida, Margaret Huber of Floyds Knobs, Indiana and many nieces and nephews.