ANNA RITA RAEL

ANNA RITA RAEL
October 26, 1936 - January 30, 2026
Anna Rita Rael, 89, of Santa Fe, peacefully passed away in her home on January 30, 2026. She didn't let cancer or other challenges in life diminish her kindness or humor, and she will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her son, Mark; her daughter, Caroline; and their father, Jerry Rael. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Swain (Mike); her grandson, Ian Hedgecoke (Jenna); her siblings, Zoilo Montoya, Frank Montoya, Cathy Lomax (Ralph), and Mercedes Diener (Paul); four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Anna was devoted to her faith and very active in her church. She was a member of the Blue Army and the Catholic Daughters, and for many years she kept Holy Hours in the chapel of Guadalupe Church in service to the Blessed Mother. Over the years, she made literally thousands of rosaries to give away, even sending some to Africa and other parts of the the world.
Anna was known for her generosity of time and energy and for always being willing to help. She was quick with a joke and a smile and was loved by many. She is deeply missed.
Services will be held at St. Anne's on Monday morning, February 23, with a rosary at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will take place at Rosario Cemetery at a later date.