Raquel Cruz Chalambaga

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference. Surrounded by her beloved immediate family in her home, Raquel Cruz-Chalambaga, affectionally called “Rachel,” passed on peacefully into the hands of our Lord on July 7, 2013 at the tender age of 44 after her courageous battle against ovarian cancer. Born in Laredo, Rachel fulfilled different roles to many people. She was a doting wife, supportive daughter, take-control sister, enthusiastic friend, intelligent and hard-working counselor, devout Catholic, and an essence of joy to many that knew her. Rachel was a life-long employee of the Laredo Independent School District, having started her classroom teaching career at Ligarde Elementary School and thereafter transferring to H.B. Zachary Elementary School to assume a counseling position at such school where she met and fell in love with her husband, a fellow classroom teacher, Richard Chalambaga from Sanderson, Texas. Rachel was lured to apply for a middle school counseling position at Cigarroa Middle School and, after accepting the position, enjoyed tremendously working in such a demanding and fast-paced environment. When asked why she would not transfer out of the schools in the south, she instantly would reply that the kids in the south needed her most and that is where heart was in making a difference to a largely at-risk population of children – indeed, she made a significant difference to many children and families. Many will remember Rachel fondly as someone who was highly intelligent, but instead of boasting about it, she shared her knowledge and talents with everyone that was in need of help. A true counselor at heart, Rachel was always able to offer advice (even if unsolicited) to steer people, young adults especially, in the right direction. No task was ever too difficult for Rachel; she could recognize a problem or an issue and be able to provide a solution ever so quickly. To her family, Rachel was the constant caregiver, organizer, decorator, event planner, and, most of all, the one that everyone went to when they just plainly needed help with just about anything. There were many family gatherings that were “themed-oriented” because Rachel wanted every memory to be special and she applied her talents to make Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter or any birthday gathering impeccable and heart-warming. Above all, Rachel loved her family immensely and her family, indeed, will honor her spirit by continuing to be united to reflect and respect Rachel’s loyalty, compassion, and care that she had for her loved ones. Rachel was the best girlfriend that any lady could ask for because she loved to listen, was supportive and provided candid advice. Rachel had many friends (too many to name), but she had three girlfriends, Annie Tristan, Yvette Tristan and Terry Lopez that were like sisters to her who recently celebrated 26 years of friendship after meeting in college. There were so many memories that they shared together, but beyond all, Rachel and her “besties” would love their dinner dates and playing cards after such dinners. Rachel would just relish in her card games, and always had stories to tell about who won and how much the following day. To have been a friend to Rachel was indeed a gift, and to Rachel, her friends were such an important part of her life that I am sure her zest for life will be a source of comfort for her friends, as they will continue to honor her by taking advantage of each day of their God-given lives. Rachel was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Eleuteria R. Gamez and Guadalupe B. Cruz, whom she loved immensely, as she always took time to visit with them to learn lessons that no classroom could teach about sincerity, humility, compassion and faith. Also preceding her in death was her father-in-law, S. M. Chalambaga and her grandfathers, Juan Gamez and Felix Cruz, as well as her aunts/uncles: Juanita G. Arizola, Roberto and Delfina Gamez, Miguel Gamez, and Irma Gamez. Her deeply missed cousins, Roberto Gamez, Jr., Maria Elsa Arizola and Ana R. Gamez also preceded her in death. Her loyal and loving husband, Richard Chalambaga, her nurturing mother and father, Angela and Felix Cruz Jr., and her loving mother-in-law, Tere Chalambaga survives Rachel. She is also survived by her caring siblings Vilma (Fernando) Pena, Felix (Blanca) Cruz III, Griselda (Gustavo) Alcantar and Juan J. Cruz, as well as her nephews and nieces that she was very proud of, Reymundo (Cindy) Arispe, Jr., Rachel Arispe, Carmen Cruz, Veronica Cruz, Felix Cruz, IV and Gustavo Isaac Alcantar. In addition, Rachel is survived by her playful grand-nephews/niece, Krysta, Brandon and Rey Arispe. She is also survived by an extended family of many loving cousins, aunts and uncles, as well as her sister-in-law, Cindy (Jerry) Turner and their sons, Gil and Lane Turner. Visitation will be held at San Luis Rey Church located at 3505 Sanders on Wednesday, July 10, 2013, beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated in Rachel’s honor at San Luis Rey Church at 8:30 a.m. the following day on Thursday, July 11, 2013. Interment will follow at the family plot at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The family would like to respectfully thank local oncologists Dr. Eduardo Miranda and Dr. Knecht for their unwavering and encouraging medical support. In addition, Rachel’s family will forever be grateful to her gynecologist-oncologist, Dr. Antonio Santillan from San Antonio, who was always available, upon their need. And, a special doctor who provided many avenues of support, Dr. Eduardo “Benji” Fernandez, holds a special place in the family’s prayers. Rachel’s family also thanks Altus Hospice who provided much support in the latter part of Rachel’s life and, with much gratitude, Rachel’s family thanks the services of Global Nursing Services, especially Christine Garza, who were always a phone call away for any particular need. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.