Maria (Mary) Rael

Maria (Mary) D. Rael

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mary Rael, beloved by family and friends for her warmth, admired for her gifts as a gardener and cook, and sought out for her wise advice.  Born on March 8, 1937, in Chimayo, New Mexico, to Antonia and Cirilo Martinez, Mary went to her eternal rest on Thursday, May 30, 2024.  Mary is survived by her sisters, Josie Fernandez and Nina Maestas; daughters-in-law; Maria Rael and Patricia Romero (David); grandchildren, Joseph Rael, Christina Rael Sena (Marcos), and Daniel Rael; great grandchildren; Angel Rael, Mialynda Sena, Domikella Sena, Adriel Sena, Autumn Aguilar and Sarah Rael; two great-great grandchildren, Zayden Aguilar and Nazareth Aguilar, dear friend Phillip Barajas, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents Antonia and Cirilo Martinez; sons, Joe Leonard and David Rael and their father Joe Rael; brother Cirilo Martinez Jr.; and grandson Dominic Rael.

Mary lived in Santa Fe most of her life where she raised her family.  Later, Mary went to work at JCPenney where she was a familiar face at the cosmetic counter for many years.  After retirement, Mary joined the night crew working for the New Mexico House of Representatives where she befriended many politicians, a trait she inherited from her mother Antonia.   Mary had a passion for life and enjoyed nurturing and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, working in her yard, caring for the beautiful flowers that adorned her casita, canning yummy jams and preservatives and visiting with family and friends.  She made the best tortillas and red chile and always showed up with a home baked cake for special birthdays and occasions.  Creative and skilled, she found comfort and relaxation in crocheting amazing gifts for family and friends.  Mary also enjoyed socializing and exercising at the Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center where she met so many dear friends and learned ceramics. Her strong words of wisdom will live within us all for the rest of our lives.  Although she is no longer in this world, her kind and bold spirit will continue to hold us high, and her memory and love will keep us strong. 

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.  Nehemiah 8:10

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on July 9th at Christian Life, 121 Siringo Rd. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Santa Fe Memorial Gardens, 417 East Rodeo Road, Santa Fe.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a flower in Mary’s memory.