Rachelle Louise May, age 71, passed away on March 1, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 27, 1954, at the family home in Appleton, to the late Glenn and Agnes Hickinbotham. She grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton West High School. Rachelle had many adventures after high school.

Rachelle was a skilled office manager and worked for several years at O’Brien Builders. It was while working for O’Brien Builders, she met and married Martin O’Brien and they went on to have two children. After their union, Marty’s job brought them to Grand Rapids, MI. While in MI, she began work at Moss and built relationships there that would last her lifetime. After the dissolution of the marriage, Rachelle reconnected with Michael May. They spent hours traveling on the S.S. Badger as they fostered their “Lake Michigan Romance.” Mike and Rachelle married on July 19, 1998, in Florida, surrounded by family. Mike was truly Rachelle’s soulmate and the love of her life. In addition, Mike became the bonus dad to Erin and Keegan and “Bumpa” to their children.

Rachelle loved to do anything with her hands. She enjoyed sewing and creating things to sell at local craft markets. She also had an entrepreneurial spirit and started a custom leotard business for gymnastics-her gift was finding a need and filling in the gap! She loved music of all kinds, reading, doing puzzles and cooking (though Mike did most of the cooking at home). Rachelle’s wicked sense of humor and biting sarcasm were something to behold. She was also an avid Packer fan-despite having spent many years in Michigan.

One of Rachelle’s greatest gifts was making everyone in her life feel like the most important person ever. From custom Halloween costumes to Christmas cookies, to homemade greeting cards, each and every endeavor was destined to make the receiver know their worth. Rachelle loved animals of all kinds and there was always a pet in the house to keep the bed warm. Rachelle loved finding a deal. For her it truly was the thrill of the hunt. She enjoyed hunting for the bargain at Goodwill, on QVC and anywhere within driving distance to get the best deal. She also enjoyed looking her best at all times and never left the house without her hair and makeup being done.

She adored being a grandma to her grandsons and they truly were the light of her life. She was so good with her grandkids and had an incredible way of making them each feel so special. Family was everything to Rachelle. From sharing cooking time with Mike, to helping her kids’ dreams come true, she was always focused on spending time with those she loved. Her “Yogi and BooBoo” partnership with Mike had them taking all their weekend adventures together. Her motto really was, “it’s just better together.”

Rachelle is survived by her husband Mike, her children Keegan O’Brien, Erin Walters, grandsons: Druis, Everett, and Easton. She is further survived by her sister Julee Baldwin and Debbie Collins, and her sisters-in-law Kimmie (Jay) Bartholomew and Kathleen May.

Rachelle was preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Agnes Hickinbotham, her siblings Monica and Richard, her parents-in-law Donald (Gail) May and Bernice (Don) May, and brother-in-law David May.

At Rachelle’s request, the family will celebrate her life privately. In her honor, please plan to share a box of homemade cookies with a neighbor.

The family requests donations go in Rachelle’s name to Spierings Cancer Foundation, Po Box 171, Little Chute, Wi 54140 or go to www.spieringscancerfoundation.org to donate directly.

Rachelle’s family would like to extend sincere and heartfelt thanks to ThedaCare Hospice, especially to Nadyne for the loving and compassionate care provided in her last days.