Obituary of Raquel Serna Gonzales

Raquel Gonzales, age 75, passed away at 8:10  p.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2018 in Round Rock, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family which was her last earthly wish. Her chronic illness lasted almost two years, and she was ready to join her loving parents, Enrique F. and Angelita (née Everett) Serna, who preceded her in 2013 and 2004, respectively. 

Raquel was the beloved mother of three children, Ricardo "Ricky" Gonzales; Carmelita "Carmel" Smith and her husband, Brandon, and Albert "Chone" Gonzales, Jr., all born in Austin, through her marriage to Albert Gonzales. Her three siblings, who grew up together in San Diego, Texas, before transplanting to Austin in 1953 are Eladio Serna and his wife, Toni; Enrique "Babe" Serna, Jr., and Rosie Serna-Baldwin and her husband, Steve. The Serna family wanted to ensure Rosie received the best education and enrolled her in Texas School for the Deaf in Austin.  Rosie's hearing siblings benefitted likewise from this decision, and all eventually graduated from Travis High School in the 1960s.  

Raquel loved her grandchildren with passion and pride. She was very proud of Gabriella Gonzales, Kaeli Warde, Skylar Warde, and Carmen Gonzales of Travis and Williamson Counties. Two months ago Raquel got to hold her first great grandson, Isaac Martinez.

While raising her three children, Raquel was a former partner/owner of the famous La Tapatia Restaurant on 6th Street in East Austin and two other locations. Raquel found some time for her other passions, such as dancing, Tejas music, art, beading, and sewing. Everyone knows that she was very close to her sister, Rosie, and took the time to learn sign language, thus making Raquel accessible to her deaf friends, who were very fond of her, too.

Upon learning of her passing, friends from far and near added their memories of Raquel. Here are just a few thoughtful quotes: "Beautiful earthbound spirit and a divine one too, "  "Very strong, independent woman," "Such loss is forever in our minds and hearts," " She was able to choose her destiny," " From this experience, we can learn from this," and "Always a kindred soul, she is at peace, alas."

Three days before she passed, Raquel, her daughter, Carmel, and her sister, Rosie, made an impromptu decision to visit San Diego, Texas, to place flowers on the grandparents' graves. It was Raquel's very last wish, then she treated herself to a great meal at a local Dairy Queen and enjoyed her last delicious strawberry milkshake. Enroute back to Carmel's home for her initial hospice caring, Raquel sang her favorite Lydia Mendoza (1916-2007) songs in Spanish. It was truly a wonderful day trip that will never be forgotten. And yes, she died on her terms, despite the difficulty she had battling chronic diabetes and even the loss of both her legs.

May our mother, sister, and friend rest in peace and be sure to say, "Hello" to her parents for us!

Memorial Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018 with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. at Mission Funeral Home - East Side, Austin, Texas.

Services for Raquel will conclude at the closing of Visitation.  Inurnment at Assumption Cemetery will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Assumption Cemetery.  Raquel will be laid to rest with her mother.