Carolina Rael Dominguez

CAROLINA RAEL DOMINGUEZ went to her heavenly home July 21, 2009. She will be remembered for her unconditional love and kindness, her cleaver sense of humor, her joyful laughter and her insightful wisdom. She was an elegant and beautiful woman with a vibrant spirit and a contagious jest for life. She believed in living life to its fullest. Carolina was born in Arroyo Hondo, NM on June 10, 1909. Her education began in Arroyo Hondo where she attended school through the fourth grade. She completed her elementary and high school studies at Loretto Academy in Santa Fe, graduating in 1928. A Bachelor of Arts Degree was conferred by Highlands University. After graduating from High School, she received a teaching certificate and began her teaching career. Carolina retired in 1973 after 30 years of service. On April 20, 1934, Carolina married Jose Alfonso Dominguez of Arroyo Hondo. Three children were born of the marriage. Throughout her lifetime, Carolina was an active member of her community. During World War II she made it possible for families to communicate with their sons serving in the Armed Forces. In recognition of her war efforts, the Honorable Lieutenant Governor, Walter D. Bradley, conferred the honorary title of Colonel, Aide-de-Camp upon her in 1999. Carolina received the annual Governors Award for Outstanding New Mexico Women in 1999 and was recognized by Mayor Bobby Duran as a Living Treasure of Taos County 2006. In addition, Carolina was recently notified she was to be honored as an Unsung Hero later this fall by The Taos News and for her life achievements by the Taos Fiesta Council, July 26, 2009. She is preceded in death by her parents Maria Soledad Santistevan Rael and Jose Ignancio Rael; her four bothers, Sofio Jose, Jose Melecio, Juan Bautisa and Jose Eli; her husband, Jose Alfonso Dominguez; and her son, Jose Alfonso Dominguez Jr. She is survived by daughter, Glorianna Dominguez Atencio and husband Willie Atencio; daughter, Fabiola Dominguez Teter and husband Richard W. Teter; grandchildren, Rosella Atencio-Gerst, John Barry Gerst, Lorinda Lea Teter, Mari Lynne Teter and husband Robert Berlin, Royan Wallace Teter and wife Terri Teter; great grandchildren, Kylie Marie Teter, Bill Berlin and Zack Berlin. A Rosary was recited on July 27 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Taos. A Mass was celebrated July 28, 2009 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Taos. In lieu of flowers, please send donations, in memory of Carolina Rael Dominguez, to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, P.O. Box 189, Arroyo Seco, NM 87514.