Rachel M Guerra

Rachel Martinez Guerra was born on March 27, 1959, and was called home on May 18, 2025. Just weeks earlier, her family and friends had joyfully celebrated her 66th birthday—a milestone filled with love, laughter, and gratitude for a life well-lived.

Rachel grew up on the Westside of San Antonio, en el mero hueso, where her deep roots in community and culture shaped the strong, vibrant woman she became. A lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, she found strength and solace in her faith, and she generously shared her time and energy in support of her parish and neighbors.

Rachel’s love for her heritage was evident in everything she did. She learned to dance folklórico at the Guadalupe Cultural Center, embodying the spirit and pride of her culture with every step. A proud 1977 graduate of Lanier High School, she carried the VOK spirit with her throughout her life and remained an active supporter of the Lanier band boosters – Grandma Rachel.

Her dedication extended to her work as well. Over a remarkable 40-year career with H-E-B, Rachel served in various roles across San Antonio, always with a smile or a smirk or a glare and an unwavering commitment to her coworkers and customers. She was a familiar, trusted face, known for her tireless work ethic and big heart.

Rachel was a fierce and loving soul—tough as nails, as her family and friends fondly recalls. She faced life’s challenges, including two battles with cancer, with grace and humor. “La mala nunca muere,” she would say with a spark in her eye, giving those around her courage and hope.

Above all, Rachel cherished her family. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Catherine and Catt’s husband, Leonard; her five treasured grandchildren: Ariel, Scarlett, Esmeralda, Zoe, and Immanuel, her only grandson; her sisters Mary (Gabriel), Rosemary, and Margaret (Ben); her brother Paul III (Becky); her Uncle John Martinez; and many cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and her faithful four legged companion Caramelo.

She now joins those who went before her: her grandparents Pablo and Apolonia Martinez, her mother, Josefina G. Martinez; her father, Pablo Z. Martinez; her brothers Fermin and Mark; and many beloved uncles, aunts, godparents, cousins, and friends. May they welcome her with open arms in the kingdom of heaven.

Rachel leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering community spirit. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.