Rachelle Sulla passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on May 25, 2026.
Born February 18, 1962, Rachelle was adopted into a loving, Italian-American home by her mother and father, Marie and Louis Sulla. She grew up as the middle child between her two brothers, Michael and Louis, whom she loved fiercely. They grew up on Seminole Avenue in the Morris Park neighborhood of the Bronx, creating deep roots in the community through lifelong friendships and relationships.
Rachelle shared a beautiful life with her late husband, Kerry Heffinger, and together they raised three children, Anthony, Maria and Robert. Of all the roles she held in her life, being a mother was the one she treasured most. She often said her children were her biggest blessing and greatest accomplishment. She is survived by her children, her two grandchildren, Olivia and Emerson, her brothers and their wives Robin and Sally, and her nieces and nephews, Madeline, Michael and Matthew.
Rachelle was a loving sister, aunt, mother and grandmother, sharing a passion for family that was instilled in her by her own mother and father. She loved deeply, laughed loudly, and found joy in being surrounded by those she cared about most.
Armed with a great sense of humor, love of life and welcoming personality, Rachelle’s company wasn’t ever tolerated, it was always embraced by any and all walks of life.
Her life was given new purpose in 2022 and again in 2024, as she became a grandmother. Olivia and Emerson brought new light to her life. Even as she stared down a terminal diagnosis, her courage and love for her family never faltered as she spent what would be her final months most closely with Emerson and bonding deeply with Olivia over a shared love of animals.
During the last chapter of her life, Rachelle spent nearly every day surrounded by family. Much of her time was spent with Emerson, Maria, her son-in-law Dan, and Robert, which provided comfort, renewed meaning and, most importantly, joy. She looked forward to visits, holidays and calls with all of the family and friends she loved most. She devoted all the energy she had to being with her family and creating moments that will be cherished forever. Those memories, the laughter she brought into every room, and the love she gave so freely will remain with all who knew her.
Visiting for Rachelle will take place Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 4pm-8pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 10am at St. Francis Xavier Church, 1703 Lurting Avenue, Bronx. A private burial for immediate family will follow at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton where she will be laid to rest alongside Kerry.
