Amalia Lucia "Lucy" Rael

Amalia Lucia Rael (Lucy), 98, of Questa, New Mexico, passed away peacefully, surrounded by numerous family members, on Saturday, January 31, at her home in Questa.

Lucy was born April 16, 1927, in Questa to Donaciano and Rebecca Martinez. Lucy came from a large family with five girls and four boys: the oldest being Patrocinia, then Juanita, Maria, Lucy, Don, Armando, Jimmy, Larry, and Cecilia. Her childhood was centered around family and our Lord. Lucy attended primary school at the Moly Mine school near the old mine site. Later, Lucy was informed by her father that she would be moving to Albuquerque to attend Menaul High School. She graduated in 1946 and moved to Denver, Colorado. She attended business classes and lived with a kind family, the Bermans, who helped her with room and board until 1949, when she moved back to Questa. Her return was the result of a marriage proposal from Jose Malaquias Rael. The two were married April 30, 1949, in Bernalillo, New Mexico.

Lucy and Malaquias started their family in 1950 and did not finish until 1963. The couple raised seven children—six sons and one daughter: Michael, Marcus, Roxanne, Ralph, Mario, Malaquias Jr., and Matthew—while supporting their family. Lucy and Malaquias started Questa Lumber and Hardware in 1953. She would recall the challenges of running and growing a business while raising and growing a family. She never backed down from the challenges.

Lucy joined many community organizations. She was part of the Taos County Extension Service, the Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church choir, the church prayer group, the Old Timers fundraising group, and she made time to help others. Lucy was mostly focused on family and faith. She kept herself busy with her large family. She especially enjoyed the gatherings at the home on Christmas Eve, her birthday parties, and any other special events. Lucy enjoyed dancing and singing with her children and grandchildren; it was one of her favorite pastimes.

Lucy is survived by her children: Michael; Marcus and his wife, Jana; Roxanne and her husband, Gabe; Ralph and his wife, Lisa; Mario; Malaquias Jr. and his wife, Danette; and Matthew and his wife, Georgiana. Lucy is also survived by 43 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Her surviving siblings are brother Don Martinez and wife Alice (sister-in-law Jane Marchant), brother Jimmy Martinez and wife Bessie, brother Larry Martinez and wife Tillie, and sister Cecilia Segura. Lucy had many nephews and nieces as well, whom she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Malaquias Sr.; her grandson Mario Rael Jr.; brother Armando; and sisters Patrocinia, Juanita, and Maria.

It is fair to say that Lucy was the last of a generation, but until recently she was also the matriarch of five living generations. She instilled in her family and friends that life is worth living serving the Lord.

The family would like to thank cousin Glenda, Lucy’s prayer partner Theresa, and many other friends and family members who helped Lucy in her final days. The family would also like to thank Dr. Kaufman from Taos Home Healthcare, staff nurse Tammi, and her caregiver Esperansa

Catholic funeral services as follows; Rosary on Tuesday, February 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Saint Anthony’s in Questa. The funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, February 11, also at Saint Anthony’s, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the Mass at San Pedro Catholic Cemetery in Questa. A meal will be provided by the Friendship circle at the Questa VFW building.

The family is grateful to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos for arranging and providing the funeral services for Lucy’s family.

The family of Amalia Lucia Rael (Lucy) has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019