Townsend was the youngest daughter of Dr. Joan Draper and Dr. Gary Townsend of Brookfield. She was born in Danbury on August 12, 1997.
Rebecca is survived by her four sisters, Valerie Hansen (Kris), Stephanie McGrory (John), Monica Townsend and Victoria Townsend; her grandparents, Tina Townsend of Danbury and Dr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Draper of Newtown; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Luther Townsend.
Townsend graduated from Immaculate High School in Danbury with distinguished honors this spring and was to start college at the University of Notre Dame in the fall.
She loved theater, fashion, travel, and helping those around her. She was passionate working with children and made a difference in many lives through her volunteering at Head Start and starting a chapter of the charity "She's the First" at Immaculate. She also played volleyball and worked on and performed in many of Immaculate High School's drama productions.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, July 7, at St. Joseph Church in Brookfield. Burial followed in Newtown Village Cemetery, Newtown.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to the Rebecca Draper Townsend Memorial Fund, made to Immaculate High School, 73 Southern Blvd., Danbury, CT 06810. A portion of the proceeds will be allocated to the nonprofit "She's the First," to help educate girls in the developing world.
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