Raquel Zaldivar Demaree

Was born in El Frances Boquete, Republic of Panama in 1933, with an Italian, French, and Spanish Basque heritage. She became a primary education teacher and progressed to become the principal of Federico Boyd school in Capira, teaching in various schools throughout Panama. Eventually, she completed a B.A. (Humantities) and an M.A. (Education) from University of Panama. Her dreams launched her to the United States, when awarded a full fellowship to the University of Illinois, to teach and study within the graduate department of Spanish and Portuguese.

She fell in love with her husband, Arthur Sweney, who was also a professor at the University of Illinois. They were married in Champaign, Illinois, and had 6 children. Raquel always loved children and education, so she poured herself into her children with a vastly creative perspective, employing instructors in music, ballet, sports, theater, gymnastics, martial arts, history, culture, and language. Her culinary expertise was shared during holidays and special celebrations, as she taught her children how to cook complicated cultural foods.

Raquel later married Scott Demaree. They were married for 47 years. She always encouraged Scott to achieve his best and supported him in his passion of ultra-marathons.

Raquel’s fruits of her life poured everywhere with love and passion. She gave her life to Jesus Christ, as she lived by faith in God and compassion to others. Raquel had 6 children, Rachel (Ahmad), Rebecca, Robert, Raymond (Susan), Richard and Roxanne (Brian), and 4 grandchildren: Miles, Delilah, Sarah, and Michael. She also survived by her sisters: Sara Leonor, Pura, Cedoina, Corina, and Chela, and many cousins, nieces and nephews in Panama.

Blessings of peace and goodwill to all who knew Raquel Zaldivar Demaree. Our hearts are fuller, and our lives are more complete, because we had Raquel as our own. She was our precious wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, family and friend.

Farewell Raquel, we miss you. We are so grateful for all you did to make our life beautiful.

May our prayers rise to Heaven like incense, and may your soul rest in Peace.