Raquel Gonzales

RAQUEL GONZALES
AUGUST 26, 1930 - FEBRUARY 4, 2017

Mrs. Raquel Chapa Gonzales, 86, entered into God's arms on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the home of her daughter, Tina Trevino, in Laredo. She was born in Weslaco, Texas on August 26, 1930, lived in Galveston, Texas for over 65 years and upon her retirement moved to Alvin, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Casimiro and Josefa Chapa, her loving husband, Jesse R. Gonzales; and brother, Jaime Chapa.
She is survived by her children, Christine "Tina" (Dr. Alfredo) Trevino of Laredo; Richard (Karen) Gonzales of Spring, Texas; and David (June) Gonzales of Alvin, Texas. Also surviving is her sister, Nora Chapa Mendoza of West Bloomfield, Michigan; her grandchildren, Jamee (Rodrigo) Romo; Dr. Beth A. Trevino (Mike Rangel) from San Antonio; Tony (Risela) Trevino from Boerne; Shoshannah (Wesley) Vohies from Novato, California; Jesse W. (Urvi) Gonzales from Fairfax, Virginia; Elizabeth R. (James) Jenson from Dallas; as well as 9 great grandchildren who fondly referred to her as "Ita."
After receiving her bachelors and masters in Spanish at the University of Houston, she shared her passion and love for the language and culture for 45 years with hundreds of young adults at Galveston ISD, Galveston Junior College, Alvin Junior College and at Texas A&M University at Galveston. She also forged reform in state legislation for greater opportunities for Hispanics through the national LULAC organization and was honored as Texas LULAC Woman of the year in 2001.
Her special interests were in her community where she volunteered at Ronald McDonalds House for over 30 years, established with six other parishioners at the First Presbyterian Church in Galveston pre-school nursery for Spanish speaking children from government housing needing help with English, basic school readiness training and Christian instruction, and served as a representative for the City of Galveston on their good-will trips to China, Japan, and Spain. In 2001 after having been chosen by Texas LULAC as the 2001 Woman of the year, the city of Galveston presented her with the keys to the city.
She shared her zeal for traveling around the world with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and loved to bring home a special stone from each country as a geological commemoration.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Luis Benavides, St. Jude Specialty and Health Care Services, her loving caregivers Josefina Roque, Gabriela Castillo, Maria Rodriguez-Mendoza, Janie Guererro, Caina Bernardini, Vero Lozano, Elena Galan, Juanita Rodriguez, and Rosario Vidaurri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 301 14th Street, Galveston, TX 77550 or Casa Juan Diego, P.O. Box 70113, Houston, Texas 77270.
Memorial Service in Laredo will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at Christ Church Episcopal, 2320 Lane Street. Visitation will begin from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 followed by service officiated by Rev. Paul Frey.
A Memorial Service in Alvin, Texas will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, Johnston Street and W. Blum St.
You may extend your condolences to the family online at: www.joejacskonfuneralchapels.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral and Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041, 956.722.8850