Florinda Rael

In loving memory of Florinda Rael (Padilla, Maes)
Beloved Wife, Mother and Nana

Florinda peacefully passed away and went home to be with our Lord on February 6, 2022, at the age of 91.

Born in Santa Fe, NM on August 04, 1930, to Santiago and Rita Padilla. She was adopted by Antonio and Rita Maes upon the loss of her parents. She is a graduate of Loretto Academy in Santa Fe. NM. She worked for the State of NM briefly before her marriage to Ramon Rael, her husband of 69 years, on September 24, 1952. Together they had six children.

She is survived by her husband and their children: Raymond J. Rael (Rosalie), Virginia A. Escobar, Joyce R. Crocker, Dora Rael, Dolores (Dee) Sanchez (Michael) and daughter-in-law Ramona Rael. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter as well as many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her Parents: Santiago and Rita Padilla, adoptive parents Antonio and Rita Maes, her son Anthony P. Rael, son-in-law Daniel Croker and her brother Henry C. Padilla, whom she deeply adored.

Florinda will be remembered for her loving kindness and gentle ways. Her ability to easily and genuinely make friends with strangers and her patient and nurturing nature. The love she grew for her family was the gentle strength that held it together; she will be greatly missed. Her love of children led her to a career as a devoted caregiver for most of her life where she touched the lives of many who called her Nana.

To honor her and her love of children It is her desire that in lieu of gifts and flowers a donation in her name be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a charity she faithfully supported for decades.
Direct link: http://giftfunds.stjude.org/Florinda-Nana-Rael

A Celebration of Life for Florinda will be held on February 16, 2022, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at FRENCH-Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Please continue to celebrate Nana's life immediately following the ceremony at the reception hall located within FRENCH-Wyoming. Reception 2:00pm to 4:00pm. If you are so moved, we encourage you to bring a photo, memento or story to share with all of us who are present at the Celebration of Life and reception.