Elsa Lydia Velazquez Rabe

Elsa Lydia Velazquez Rabe, age 49, of New Braunfels passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2010. Elsa was a loving wife and mother of three children. Elsa was born in Abilene, Texas, on Oct. 24, 1960. A graduate of Cooper High School, she continued her education at Texas Tech University. Following her graduation from Tech she enlisted in the U.S. Army and after serving four years was honorably discharged as a Specialist Four. While stationed in Wiesbaden Germany she married Dean M. Rabe. Upon returning to the USA, Elsa received a masters degree in education from the University of New Orleans. Elsa was an elementary and middle school teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Pueblo, Colorado and Carrollton, Texas.

Elsa was preceded in death by her mother, Andrea Velazquez, one sister, Irma Reynolds, and her four grandparents; Mr. and Mrs. Jesus Aldaco and Mr. and Mrs. Emilio Velazquez.

Elsa is survived by her husband, Dean, of over 22 years, and their three children: Katarina, Kelsie and Luke. Elsa is also survived by her father, Paulino R. Velazquez of Abilene, and three sisters, Rita Acuna of Oklahoma City, Sylvia Calvillo of Round Rock and Ramona Daley of Midland; four nieces, nine nephews and numerous cousins. Elsa was a member of the Freedom Fellowship Church in New Braunfels.

A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the Zoeller Funeral Home located at 615 Landa Street, New Braunfels, Texas 78130. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Fisher House, 7323 W. Hwy. 90, San Antonio, Texas 78227.