Rachel Terrazas Carbajal, age 74, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, surrounded by her beloved children, grandchildren, siblings, and mother in the home where she raised her ten children. She was born on December 23, 1951, in Temple, Texas, to Arturo Terrazas, Jr. and Dolores Palomino Terrazas. After many years of raising her children, she launched a career as an insurance agent, but her career always remained secondary to her commitment to her family.
She was raised in the Magnolia neighborhood in Houston, Texas, during the Chicano movement. There, she became an advocate for human rights and embraced the strength, pride, and traditions of her Cultura Mexicana. She believed in standing up for others and took great pride in the immigration work she led, helping people navigate the path toward U.S. citizenship. She opened her heart and home to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who needed a helping hand.
She settled in Austin, Texas, where she raised her children and was a surrogate mother to many neighborhood kids. She was the heart of her family, the beloved matriarch, and the center that held everyone together. That same spirit extended beyond her family into the community, where she gave generously of her time.
She had a beautifully soft, consistent presence in our lives and was happiest being the best Granny ever. She was a gatherer of people. She had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. She found great joy in tending to her garden, a passion she lovingly shared with others and used to teach them. She was an avid reader who loved to fish and enjoyed taking many road trips with her children and grandchildren. From humble beginnings, she leaves a legacy of love, belonging, tradition, and devotion to her family.
She is survived by her children: Monica Terrazas, Ray Terrazas, Michael Gonzalez, Jennifer Guillen, Catherine Gonzalez, Stephanie Braun, Lori Medeiros, Paula Carbajal, Emily Melissa Carbajal, and Estrellita Carbajal; their partners and spouses; 19 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother, Dolores Terrazas; her siblings, Arturo Terrazas, Virginia Vitela, Albert Terrazas, Richard Terrazas, Gloria Terrazas, Amalia Terrazas, and Octavio Terrazas; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her father, Arturo Terrazas, Jr., and her grandsons, Matthew Ryan and Daniel Presley.
Rachel’s family will celebrate her life with a Rosary on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home South. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Austin.
To share memories, leave condolences, or find additional service information, please visit Rachel’s memorial page. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/austin-tx/rachel-carbajal-13044125
