Rachel Valadez

February 27, 1954 to January 30, 2023

Our sweet and loving Rachel Valadez, age sixty eight, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 30, 2023 after complications with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by loving family throughout her short battle with cancer until the time she was called home by her Father in Heaven.

Rachel was the fifth of twelve children born to Antonio and Juanita Valadez in Austin, Texas. Rachel graduated from Austin High School and immediately went to work for The Veterans Administration where she worked for thirty eight years until her retirement in 2011.

Rachel was the family’s CEO, Event Coordinator, Chief of Staff, all rolled into one. She was the family’s “brain trust.” Rachel coordinated finances, birthdays, weddings, graduations and any family “fundraising” that needed attention. With twelve siblings and their families, this was a full -time job and she loved it.

Rachel loved her legendary two- a- day power walks. Her power walks were her therapy and gave her time to think about life. Rachel also enjoyed traveling with her brothers, sisters, occasionally her mother, nieces or nephews. She had wonderful experiences in Colombia, Mexico, France and Italy. She also traveled frequently to California and New York, and would always return with wonderful stories to share.

Rachel cherished and was cherished by her family. She is predeceased by her father Antonio Valadez Jr. Rachel is survived by her mother Juanita Valadez and her siblings- Margie Varela (Servando), Jim Valadez, Antonio Valadez III (Rona), Adela Flores (Carlos), Isaura Valadez, Edward Valadez (Terry), David Valadez, Josephine Easter (Mike), Frank Valadez (Bertha), Jeannie Valadez and Ruben Valadez (Luis). She was also blessed with twenty nieces and nephews, thirty great nieces and nephews and eight great – great nieces and nephews.

Rachel passed away in peace after living a very full and loving life, she will be deeply missed and always remembered for the unconditional love she shared with us all.

The family would like to give special thanks to Rachel’s medical team: Oncologist Dr. Jane Chawla- Texas Oncology Nurses Tonya, Pat and Natalie - The Infusion Team at Texas Oncology – All Healthcare Providers at Texas Oncology - Dr. Michael Gutierrez at Ascension Seton Hospital-Emergency Room Doctors at Ascension Seton Hospital and Hospice of Austin.

The family would also like to give thanks to the Reverend Father Mark Hamlet of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and The Reverend Father Jakob Hurlimann of St. Mary’s Cathedral.

And a very special thank you to family members – Sister Adela Flores, Sister Jeannie Valadez and Niece Diana Flores.

Pall Bearers

Shaun Mendez James Valadez

James Valadez Adam Valadez

Brandon Easter Noah Mueller

Aaron Valadez Ethan Mueller

Honorary Pallbearer

Christian Mueller

Rachel will forever be with us.

Private family services to be held.