d. July 7, 2025

Orcelia Evangeline Rael, 95, affectionately known to family and friends as Vangie or Lynn, was born July 12, 1929, and died peacefully at home on July 7, 2025. She was five days away from her 96th birthday.

In 1947, Vangie married Antonio Benito (Ben) Rael of Questa and together they celebrated over 75 years of marriage, and bore six children; Antonio Benito Rael Jr. (Rose), Lillian Miller, Daniel Rael (Pat), Ann Rael, and Joseph Rael. A sixth child, James Daniel Rael died as an infant. She had ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Vangie is survived by brother Manuel Medina of Questa; sisters Gloriana Schneckloth (Gary), of Denver CO, Patsy Rael (Ruben) of Seattle, WA, Carol Williams of Aurora, CO; sister-in-law Berda Medina of Denver, and brother-in-law Gustavo Rael (Aurora) of Questa, NM.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Felipe Nerio Medina and Fidelia Cisneros of Questa, grandson Kevin Miller; brothers Frankie Medina, Felipe Medina (Anita) and Felix Medina; sisters Benita Wilson (Carl), Theresa Montoya (Kelly), and Lorraine Cook (Richard).

A Holy Rosary was recited by the Guadalupanas on Wednesday, July 16, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Taos, NM. The burial was at the Veterans National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM where she will join her beloved husband and WWII US Navy Veteran Ben Rael.