d. March 8, 2024
With great sadness, the family of Olivia F. Rael of Questa, New Mexico announced that she passed away at home peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 8, 2024. She was 83 years old. Twelve years ago, while reciting a rosary in church for a young man who had passed away, she survived a massive stroke that left her wheelchair-bound, and she lost function to the left side of her body. However, she never lost her faith or sense of humor. She loved talking and joking with family and friends whenever she saw them. She never failed to say “God bless you” before parting ways with anyone.
She was born on September 2, 1940, to Eloy and Manuelita Rael. She grew up in Questa among many family whom she had very close ties to. Hard work and compassion were ingrained in her from a very young age. She managed to always have a positive outlook on life and counted on her deep Catholic faith to carry her through all the situations that life handed to her.
Olivia is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Jose Richard Rael, Sr.; stepdaughters Geralyn Rael and Valerie Rael; her parents Eloy and Manuelita Rael; baby sister Carmelita Rael; brother Epimenio Rael, sister Eloisa Rael, sisters-in-law Florence Rael and Margaret Rael-Cummings, and most recently, her niece Fabiola Torrez.
She is survived by her daughter Annette Ortega (Michael); stepsons Jose Richard Rael, Jr (Amanda) and James Kelly Rael; grandchildren Jeremy Ortega, Mikayla Ortega, Elijah Ortega, Angela Rael, Melecio Rael, and Rachel Rael; great grandson Micah Martin, and father of her great-grandson Cory Martin; brother retired Deacon Felimon Rael, and several nieces and nephews; special and dear friend Viola Garcia, also Collette Herrera, Maria Culbertson, Okie Velasquez, Bernice Wells, Gloria Romero, Angela Chavez and dear cousin Annadella Cisneros.
Rosary was recited on Friday, March 22, 2024; Mass of Christian burial was on Saturday, March 23, both at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa. Burial followed at El Pueblito Cemetery.
