Matthew Wilson Rains

Matthew Wilson Rains passed peacefully, surrounded by love on March 12, 2025.

Matt was born in 1966 in Boston, he was the first child of Wilson Hill Rains and Molly Power.

Matt’s life is highlighted by his incessant thirst for knowledge and wonder of learning. He read widely and enjoyed spirited conversation with friends. He was unbound by conventional thinking and found his way to understanding in unique and off beat ways including travelling widely.

Matt began his travels as a young man. As teenagers, he and Chris Reilly hopped a plane to Europe, immediately spent or lost all their money at a music festival- undeterred they survived by selling strawberries by the side of the road and finding change on the ground. They returned a month later smelly, dirty, thinner and thrilled by adventures they’d had. At twenty, he and Jimmy Duggan drove across country in an old Toyota with a loose rag top that the passenger had to hold onto when you dared to go over 50 miles per hour. He loved the Southwest, stayed in Arizona, working on a road tarring crew with a motley crew of equally untethered men.

The highlights of Matt’s travels- Cuba, Morocco, London, Mexico, France, Portugal, South Africa, Ghana, Liberia and his beloved Sierra Leone. 

In 2012, Matt went to work in Freetown, Sierra Leone where he met Dorah Sesay. The one thing Matt’s varied and fascinating life was missing was a deep and abiding love, Dorah was that. He morphed into a man so full of generosity and happiness that it spilled out of him.

Dorah and Matt’s courtship was a flurry and they married within a year and returned to the US to start their family. Grace Kadie Rains was born in 2015 and Mary Yeallie Rains came along in 2017. These girls and his late son August Thomas Rains were the center of Matt’s world and joy of his life.  

Matt loved his work as well. He was a highly trained paramedic. This work brought him to Africa, taking helicopters to rescue and stabilize patients at remote environs. And, more recently, it brought him to Holyoke Medical Center where he worked in the ER for many years. He loved HMC, the staff and the work for the community. Matt was a dedicated member of the medical staff and was loved by all. His last few months were spent in and out of HMC as a patient and it is where he passed. Matt’s family wants to acknowledge the heartfelt care he received at HMC.

Matt loved independently made music and 1970s children’s television. He loved oddball characters- Mr. Magoo in Hi Fi and Mother Jugs and Speed are the two albums on display behind his stereo. His sense of humor bordered on zany, his nicknaming of everyone and everything was lifelong obsession. With his indomitable positive attitude, sheer muck power, and unwavering patience, he handled the hard stuff well. You wanted Matt on your team - and there are many teams out there who will feel his absence.

He is survived by his wife, Dorah, and his children, Grace and Mary. He was predeceased by his son August Thomas Rains.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. As Matt prioritized finding joy in life and sharing it with others, the family asks that you do the same - go out and do something that brings you real joy and share it with those around you.

In lieu of flowers: Please consider a donation to Strong Girls United Women- Matthew was a huge supporter and founding Board member. www/stronggirlsunitedwomen.org

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