Raquel Martinez

September 25, 1938 — January 15, 2025

A Life of Love, Resilience, and Faith Raquel A. Martinez was born on September 25, 1938, in Durango, Mexico, to Alicia Guadalupe Galarza and Ramiro Aragon. At just three years old, she faced the profound loss of her father, a tragedy that shaped her into a strong, compassionate, and resourceful woman. As the second eldest sister, she embraced the role of helping raise her younger siblings, forging lifelong bonds with her beloved older sister Rebecca and her brothers Ramiro, Alfredo, and Mario. Raquel attended school in Mexico, where her intelligence and determination shone brightly. After graduating, she worked at a bank, where she met the love of her life, Hector P. Martinez. The two were married on April 5, 1958, and began their journey as a family. Two years later, they welcomed their first child, Hector Jr. In 1962, with hope for a brighter future, Hector Sr. immigrated to Chicago, saving diligently to bring his family to the United States. Raquel courageously followed soon after, and together they built a life grounded in hard work, love, and faith. They had three more children—David, Carlos, and Lety—and eventually moved to the suburbs, where Raquel found her calling in education. Raquel worked at Sunnydale Elementary School in Streamwood as a bilingual secretary for 25 years, dedicating herself to the school district and touching countless lives. She was more than a secretary; she was a source of comfort and guidance for students and families. Whether helping children in need or stepping in as a school nurse when one wasn’t available, her selflessness and nurturing spirit made her an irreplaceable presence in the community. Family was always Raquel’s greatest passion. Despite the distance between her and her loved ones in Mexico, she worked tirelessly to keep the bonds strong, ensuring her children understood the importance of family connections. She cherished every opportunity to visit or welcome family into her home, creating a legacy of love and unity. Raquel’s home was a haven of warmth and hospitality. Known for her incredible cooking, she delighted her family with the best tamales and lentil soup, always insisting everyone leave her table full and happy. In her rare moments of free time, she enjoyed crocheting and knitting, crafting beautiful pieces that adorned her home and became cherished gifts. She also had a playful side, enjoying trips to the casino and even winning a brand-new car—a testament to her unwavering luck and resilience. Throughout her life, Raquel overcame significant medical challenges with grace and strength. She triumphed over breast cancer, recovered from a severe sepsis scare, and faced the struggles of Alzheimer’s with courage. Even in her later years, after fracturing her shin and hip, her fighting spirit remained unshaken. Her resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her. Raquel’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and perseverance. She was the heart of her family, a beacon of strength and wisdom who showed that even in the face of adversity, joy could be found in the simplest moments—cooking for her grandchildren, sharing stories of her childhood, or holding her great-grandchildren close. Surrounded by her beloved family, Raquel passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, at the age of 86. She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Hector; her children Hector (Mabel), David (Patricia), Carlos (Yolanda), and Lety (Tom); her grandchildren Carlos (Stephanie), David (Ana Martha), Isabella (Ken), Pamela (Ryan), Christian (Kimberly), Jacqueline, Kailey, Cassandra, Daniel, Andrea, and Tommy; and her great-grandchildren Maya, Mateo, Olivia, and Sophia. She is also remembered with love by her brothers Mario and Alfredo, and joins her parents and siblings Rebecca and Ramiro in eternal rest. Raquel’s legacy of love and resilience lives on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her unwavering devotion to her family and her strength in overcoming life’s challenges will forever inspire those she leaves behind.

Visitation 3:00pm to 8:00pm Monday. January, 20, 2025 at the Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 1640 S Greenmeadows Blvd, Streamwood. Prayers Tuesday 9:15am going to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, mass 10:00am. Following services, cremation will be private at the Countryside Crematory.

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Service Schedule

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Visitation

Monday, January 20, 2025

3:00 - 8:00 pm

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Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, Streamwood

1640 S Green Meadows Blvd, Streamwood, IL 60107

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Service

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Starts at 10:00 am

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St John the Evangelist Catholic Church

502 S Park Blvd, Streamwood, IL 60107

Prayer to be said at 9:15am at the funeral home.