In Loving Memory of

Maria Raquel "Rachel" Gonzales

October 1968 - June 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Raquel Gonzales, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and dedicated Catholic school teacher. Raquel passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family and in the comfort of her faith in the promise of eternal life.

She was known for her warm smile, thoughtful guidance, deep love for learning and unwavering commitment and compassion. Raquel was a lifelong parishioner at St. John Berchmans' Catholic Church and also attended mass at St. Timothy Catholic Church. She had a gentle spirit, infectious laugh, and unwavering belief in the power of love, learning, and prayer.

A devoted educator for 21 years, Raquel served with grace, pride and purpose as a Pre-K teacher at St. John Berchmans' Catholic School, leaving an enduring impact on countless students, families and colleagues by earning their respect and admiration. A passionate and patient teacher, she brought learning to life in the classroom, nurturing not only minds but hearts, and inspiring young children to believe in their potential. Her classroom was a place of joy, warmth, encouragement, success and high expectations, always grounded in the values of compassion, service, and faith.

Throughout her career at SJB, she coached the girls' softball team, coached the girls' basketball team to an undefeated record in 2009, led the school choir, inspired young chefs in the school cooking club, tutored math, and sponsored the school year book.

Beyond the classroom, Raquel taught religious education at SJB for fourteen years, ministered to the youth in the CLC, and prepared school students for their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. She lived her first ACTS retreat at Little Flower Catholic Church. She participated in the SJB-CYO as a player, coach and board member, always going above and beyond to make a difference.

She will be remembered as a forever fan of the San Antonio Spurs, Kansas City Chiefs and Texas Tech Red Raiders; and for her love of art, sense of humor, and most importantly - love of all things Snoopy.

Maria Raquel is survived by her mother, Maria Luevano Gonzales, brothers, Luis Ruben Gonzales (Norma), Rigoberto Gonzales (Helen), Rafael Gonzales (Kimberly), Rey Alfredo Gonzales (Elizabeth), Ramiro Gonzales (Annette), Rene Gonzales (Elida), Rodrigo L. Gonzales, sister Rosa Maria Querin (Thomas) and sister-in-law Denise Gonzales.  She was a proud and playful Tia to 16 nieces and nephews and 11 great nieces and nephews.

Maria Raquel is preceded in death by her father, Ruben P. Gonzales, brother, Ricardo L. Gonzales, maternal grandparents Dionicio Diaz Luevano and Belen Rodriguez Luevano, paternal grandparents Manuel Ramirez Gonzales and Maria Polanco Gonzales, great nephew, Robert de Jesus Gonzales, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

FUNERAL SERVICES

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at St. John Berchmans' Catholic Church, 1147 Cupples Rd. San Antonio, TX, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with the Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m.

Visitation will also be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Angelus Funeral Home, 1119 N. Saint Mary's St. San Antonio, TX from 8:00 a.m. through 9:15 a.m. followed by an escorted procession to the Mass of Resurrection at St. John Berchmans' Catholic Church, 1147 Cupples Rd. San Antonio, TX, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at San Fernando II, 746 Castroville Rd., San Antonio, TX.

All are welcome to a celebration of life gathering following burial at St. John Berchmans' School cafeteria, 1147 Cupples Rd., San Antonio, TX.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. John Berchmans Catholic School to establish the "Maria Raquel Gonzales Scholarship Fund."

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6PTNCD3QDZ3F2

Pallbearers: Francisco R. Gonzales, Vicente C. Gonzales, Nicolas E. Gonzales, Javier A. Gonzales, Ruben A. Gonzales and Michael J. Paris.

Though she may be physically gone, her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of every student she taught and every life she touched. Her presence was a source of comfort and a light to all who knew her.

On behalf of the Gonzales Family, we extend our most sincere appreciation for the care and support we have received.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Proverbs 3:5