Rachel Olivier Kester

Arnaudville, Louisiana - A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church for Rachel Olivier Kester, 58, who passed away on January 20, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her family.

A visitation will take place at Pellerin Funeral Home in Arnaudville on Saturday from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

A rosary will be prayed at 10:00 AM on Saturday.

Rev. Travis Abadie will officiate the memorial service. Readers will be Regina Pitre and Stacie Chauffe. Gift bearers will be Michon Pitre, Allison Olivier, Camille Doucet, Hannah Taylor and Lauren Kester. Music will be provided by Laura Huval and she will sing Amazing Grace, Jirai' Lavoir un Jour, Hail Mary, Isaiah 49 and On Eagles Wings.

Burial will follow at St. John Francis Regis Cemetery.

She was a devoted member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church of Houston where she volunteered to prepare meals for the homeless.

Rachel's passion for knowledge led her on an extraordinary academic journey. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Master of Science in Molecular Biology, both from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She then pursued her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Honolulu University, ultimately receiving her PhD in Human Biology and Nutrition from California University. Her professional life was marked by significant contributions as a Senior Research Associate for the USDA-ARS and as a Physician Advisor at Biotics Research Corporation. In 1999, she founded Healthstone Wellness, a testament to her commitment to supporting healthier living through naturopathic health and healing.

Beyond her impressive career, Rachel cherished the time spent with family and friends. She was an avid painter, a passionate traveler, and a lover of cooking. Enjoying life's simple pleasures, she could often be found walking along the beach or relaxing with her beloved dog, Lucas. She delighted in exploring the world, with notable trips to Thailand, Bali, Dubai, Japan, Korea, Kuala Lumpur, Italy, Greece, France, Germany, among her many adventures. Whether sailing in the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, circumnavigating the Grand Canyon on a Harley, or trekking through the Canadian Rockies, Rachel embraced each experience with joy and enthusiasm.

Rachel will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to share in the gift of her life. As we gather to celebrate her memory, we hold onto the warmth of her laughter, the wisdom of her words, and the passion she brought to everything she touched. She is survived by her spouse, Michael Kester of 16 wonderful years; parents, Lena and Louis Olivier; brother, Ryan (Tricia) Olivier; stepdaughter, Lauren Kester; stepson, Milo Kester; godparent, Judy Frederick; in-laws, Judy Kester and Jack (Carol) Kester; step-sister, Connie Blair; step brother-in-law, Pat Michalik; niece, Allison (Tayler) Olivier; god-child, Camille (Austin) Doucet and her children, Brooks and Ryan and Hannah (Landon) Taylor and her children, Elle and Talon; fur-buddy, Lucas; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Felix and Adeze Taylor; paternal grandparents, Roselus and Bertha Olivier; brother-in-law, Jack Kester; uncles and aunts, Harris Olivier, Leroy (Sis) Olivier, Philip Taylor and Pris Johnson, Harvey Taylor, Wayne Pitre, and J.B. (Jan) Lagrange; cousin, Wayne Lagrange and godfather, Roderick Frederick, and her fur-buddy, Gizmo.

Pallbearers will be Michael and Lauren Kester.

Pellerin Funeral Home (337-332-2111) is coordinating arrangements.