Saratoga Springs, NY- On October 25, 2022 Rachel (Laird) Carozza of Saratoga Springs died after a brief illness caused by a rare genetic disorder Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. She was 49 years old.

Rachel was a loved and loving daughter, wife, mother, extended family member, and friend. While her life was far too short, it was full. Her life was an example of the saying: "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

Greg and Marti Laird welcomed the birth of Rachel in Berwick, Nova Scotia on June 24, 1973. She attended Saratoga Springs Schools and graduated from Marblehead High School, Marblehead, MA in 1991. She went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst earning a bachelor's degree in 1995.

On September 9, 2002 Rachel married Todd Carozza aboard the Steamship Minne-Ha-Ha on Lake George. Together they created a beautiful family, first with the arrival of Olivia and Daniel following.

In addition to being a wonderful mother, Rachel was a fantastic cook and hostess. Her culinary creations were often complimented with the phrase "restaurant quality" and her table settings were a work of art. Weekends were often filled with family and friends sitting by the pool, playing games, listening to music, and enjoying life. Kind and abundantly generous in heart, spirit, and deed, many considered Rachel to be a best friend. One of her many gifts was her ability to quickly engage others and make them feel special.

Rachel excelled in her career at one of the country's largest wine distributors. Her work ethic, product knowledge, and gregarious nature earned her the respect of co-workers and clients.

Survivors include her husband Todd Carozza, children Olivia Carozza and Daniel Carozza, her parents Marti and Greg Laird, her mother-in-law Rita Carozza, her sisters and brothers in-law Shelley (Carozza) DeSimone and Gary DeSimone, Jerilyn (Carozza) Stellato and Tony Stellato, plus many beloved aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.

Friends are welcome to attend an Open House - Celebration of Rachel's Life on Sunday, October 30, 2022 from 4p – 8p at the Excelsior Springs Event Center, 47 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.  Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Rachel's memory to the Alpha 1Foundation at Alpha1.org