Rafaela was born on January 10, 1933 to Salvador Escobedo and Leonor Zesati in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico. She married Javier Casas in 1959 and had eight children. In 1976, she and her family permanently moved to Houston, Texas. She had countless memories and stories of her beloved Mexico that she was quick to tell anyone who would listen. Rafaela had a remarkable memory and remembered the smallest details. She had a huge heart and was always willing to help everyone in need. A quality that she passed on to her family. Her mission in life was to keep her family united and to pass her catholic faith to her loved ones. Her daily blessings to her family and countless prayers for all will be greatly missed. There is no doubt that her blessings and prayers will continue from heaven.
She is survived by her children, Javier (Desiree), Evangelina (Alvaro), Gabriela (Juan Manuel), Leonor (Chris), Dolores, Rafael, Monica Teresa, and Ruth (Nidal), twenty-one grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Salvador, Carolina, Esperanza, Jesus and Javier, and many nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband of 56 years, and her siblings, baby Carolina, Consuelo, and Enrique.
Visitation will be Friday, March 19, 2021, from 3-9 pm and a rosary at 7:00 pm at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, Texas 77023. Mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church, 915 Zoe St., Houston, Texas 77020 at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 20, 2021 followed by the graveside burial at Forest Park Lawndale. Due to COVID restrictions, the occupancy at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home is 100 (at one time) and 150 occupancy for Resurrection Catholic Church.
