Raquel Garcia Castillo, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 21, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 86. She was born in Congregación el Remolino, Coahuila, Mexico on August 22, 1938, to Leopoldo Garcia and Consepcion de la Cruz Garcia.
A devoted homemaker, Raquel created a sanctuary of love and comfort for her family. Her home was always open, and she welcomed friends, neighbors and strangers alike with a radiant smile and a warm embrace. She dedicated her life to her family to whom she provided unending love, care and support. Raquel was a pillar of strength, warmth and unwavering love. She was a devout Jehovah’s Witness and a member of Las Brisas Congregation.
Raquel’s greatest joy was time spent with her family. Her passions were singing, dancing and listening to mariachi music. She enjoyed nature – watching the deer, birds and other wildlife and exploring the flora in the area.
Raquel is survived by her children Rachel Castillo, Angie Hernandez (Lafe Chaffee), Margaret Velasquez (Steve), Jerry Castillo, Christina Hernandez (Paul), Gilbert Castillo (Linda), Richard Castillo (Miriam) and Gloria Muñoz (Gabriel); grandchildren Anabelle Hernandez (Willie), Ashely Marie Castillo, Steven Giraud Velasquez II, Michael Angelo Lopez, Mathew Carlos Villanueva (Gabby), Kaylee Brooke Velasquez, Isaiah Alejandro Castillo, Sebastian Andres Muñoz, Aiden Paul Hernandez and Zachary Stephen Hernandez; great-grandchildren Marissa Nicole Barbosa, Michael Ortega Jr., Willie Joe Barbosa Jr., Aryana Velasquez, Thomas Michael Lopez and Matthew Benjamin Villanueva. She is preceded in death by her husband, Fortunato B. Castillo, of 27 years, sisters Consuelo Garcia and Josephine Santos, her brother Raul Garcia de la Cruz, Sr. and five younger siblings lost at a young age.
Our family extends their gratitude to the Heart of Texas Hospice, namely Dr. Neela Patel, RN Nicole Forster, RN Gilbert Cortez, CNA Anabelle Reyna, and to administrator Robert Evans and the staff of Sorrento Nursing Home for their heartfelt and loving care in her final months. Their dedication and kindness made a profound difference, and we will always be grateful for their support.
Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find solace in the countless beautiful memories and the profound love she shared with us. Raquel will forever remain in our hearts as a beacon of love, kindness and strength. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to the Jehovah’s Witnesses Las Brisas Congregation at https://donate.jw.org/donate/en/USA/B7EAE34B-BD5D-42B5-88B5-DAE5C5315ED1/donation/CONG?pm=CARD. However, flower arrangements are also warmly welcomed and appreciated.
