Rachelle Deanne Filsinger
Posted Oct 20, 2025 | 3:32 PM
It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear sister, our mother, daughter, aunt and friend Rachelle Deanne Filsinger. After a courageous 13-year battle with cancer, with her family surrounding her, Rachelle took her final breath knowing she was loved and adored.
The highlight of Rachelle’s life was being the proud mother of Ethan & Avery Porteous whom she selflessly loved beyond measure. Adored and survived by parents Mark and Theresa Filsinger (nee Buckton), older sister Maresa Davidson (Dion), twin sister Renee Filsinger and younger brother Jason Filsinger, she has left a void in our hearts and lives that can never be filled. She is remembered dearly by nieces Diana Davidson (Chad Merrett), Zhanna Davidson (Liam Flaherty) and Izzy Davidson, and nephews Cody & Josh van der Heide, as well as great-nephew & niece Jack & Nora Merrett. Rachelle was loved dearly by her great-aunt Uriel Gates who she tenderly referred to as Gramma Uriel. She was also affectionately loved by her fur baby Xander and will be missed by many friends and extended family members.
Born in Owen Sound, Rachelle remained in the Grey Bruce area for the majority of her life. She planted roots here, married her former husband Paul Porteous, and built a life and home for her family.
Rachelle worked primarily as a Purchaser at Grey Bruce Health Services in Owen Sound but was also commonly known as the Cake Lady because of her passion for baking & decorating cakes and baked goods for colleagues and others in the community. After her first cancer diagnosis, surgery and recovery, Rachelle, along with her twin sister Renee, proudly began their “Know you Lemons” bake sales in the lobby of GBHS-OS to promote early breast screening & detection. With multiple sales over the years, they raised in excess of $10K towards the Cancer Center and Hospital Foundation. Her daughter Avery often participated, selling lemonade and candies to show her support as well. Rachelle’s passion for baking extended even more so to butter tarts. In 2019 she took home 1st prize in the All Ontario’s Best Butter Tart competition “wild-style” amateur division. In 2022 she placed 1st in the “traditional butter tart” category as well as overall Best in Show, followed by 2rd place in 2023. Rachelle loved to prepare various types of tarts for family and friends to sample and judge prior to entering competitions and was always excited to hear feedback and suggestions.
With an amazing sense of humour, Rachelle’s laugh was infectious. When she and her twin sister Renee got together, they often ended up laughing and cackling uncontrollably with tears rolling down their faces. In their youth, their grandmother would insist “a storm was brewing” when the twins got laughing. Her brother Jason always knew how to make her smile and laugh the most, and even in some of her last conversations, Rachelle was still joking to lighten the mood and laughing with us.
Rachelle enjoyed travelling with family and friends. She spoke often of her trips to Atlantic Canada with her sister Maresa, telling stories of her zodiac boat rides and whale watching experiences. She enjoyed trips to Mexico with her close friend, and to Cuba with Avery.
Rachelle was unapologetic when it came to her faith in Christ. She strongly believed in God and the gospel, and the light of her faith was seen by others. God gave her a very generous and giving spirit, she was self-sacrificing and it was always her desire to help others. She never faltered in her belief that God was carrying her through her cancer journey. She knew her life on earth was just for a brief moment but rested in the surety of her eternal life in Heaven.
Rachelle loved deeply and touched the lives of many people. Our lives have been dimmed with her passing but our love for her and our memories of her will continue forever.
The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Michael Collins for his kindness, dedication and exceptional care for Rachelle and our family. Additionally, thank you to Karen Hiscox, the Care Partners Care Coordinator & Team 6 nursing staff, Dr. Kuk at Grand River Cancer Centre, the doctors and nursing staff who cared for Rachelle in her final week, as well as Dr. Aboo and the oncology staff at Brightshores – O.S. who assisted with Rachelle’s care over the past 13 years.
A celebration of Rachelle’s life will be held at Rockcliffe Pentecostal Church, 10 4th Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 0G9 on Saturday, October 25th, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. Arrangements entrusted to the Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th Street West, Owen Sound, Ontario 519-376-7492.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, Kitchener or Chapman House, Owen Sound are appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to Rachelle’s family by visiting her memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.
Forever in our hearts.
- First Name : Rachelle
- Last Name : Filsinger
- Funeral Home : Brian E Wood Funeral Home, Owen Sound
- URL : https://www.woodfuneralhome.ca/obituaries/Rachelle-Filsinger?obId=45069705