Rachel was born in Milikapiti. Her husband was Murrunungumirri (Paddy Freddy Puruntatameri) a senior Tiwi carver and Culture man. 

Together with Murrunungumirri Rachel raised 5 children. She now has many grandchildren and some great grandchildren that she teaches Tiwi Culture to.

She was a sewer at the women’s centre before starting her career as an artist at Jilamara.

Rachel is a well respected senior woman in the Milikapiti community, and one of the few who still weaves pandanus and can still sing the old songs required for yoi (dancing).