RACHEL FERNANDEZ

1931 - 2024

RACHEL FERNANDEZ

Jan. 29, 1931 – Sept. 27, 2024

Rachel (Perez) Fernandez, longtime resident of Brawley, was the fifth of seven children born to her mother, Jesus Gomez Loya.

Rachel grew up on Rockwood Ranch with her siblings, Leopoldo (Polo), Mercedes (Mercy), Consuelo (Connie), Esperanza (Hopie), Raymundo, and Elvira (Joby). Rockwood Ranch was a simple farm north of Brawley. She remembered walking across the train tracks that ran south into town. They often visited Weist Lake to the east of their ranch.

Rachel began working as a teenager at Eureka Theatre on East Main Street in Brawley. She met the love of her life, Ralph Fernandez, one day at work. They married in Yuma, Arizona on July 8, 1949, when she was 18 years old.

Rachel gave birth to eight children (Gracie, Ralph, Robert, Ernie, Rudy, Ruben, Frank, and Dolly). For years the family moved between Brawley and Woodland, California. Eventually they built a home in Brawley on K Street, where they attended St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.

They kept property and two horses, Comanche and Palomo, outside of town. Rachel raised and bred poodles, including her favorite, Penny. When her kids were grown, Rachel went to work at Brawley Superior Furniture. She enjoyed talking with customers.

When Rachel retired, she moved to Chula Vista, California to help raise her grandson. She was in good health and never stopped being independent. She loved poodles, watching the Padres, gardening her favorite flowers, and eating at Dennys. Rachel was strong and a fighter until the end, and she held on until her children and grandchildren were able to say their goodbyes. She passed on Friday, September 27, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Rachel went on to raise and nurture 6 children, 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren who live all over the United States. She worked hard. She weathered whatever challenges came her way. She lived life to the fullest and made a good life in this world. Her family takes comfort that she is at peace in the life of the world to come. Her smile and laughter will hold a special place in the hearts of all who loved her.

Services will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 8-10 a.m. at Frye Chapel, with mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Margaret Mary's Church and burial immediately following.