Olivia Rael

With great sadness, the family of Olivia F. Rael 83 of Questa, NM announce that she passed away at home peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 8, 2024.  She survived a massive stroke 12 years ago while reciting a rosary in church for a young man who had passed away.  This 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, NM 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); step-son Jose Richard Rael, Jr (Amanda), step-son 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 will be recited on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 7pm; Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10am, both at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Questa.  Burial will follow at El Pueblito Cemetery. A meal will follow at the Questa VFW following the services.

The family of Olivia F. Rael has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com