Raquel “Rachel” Avila

Raquel "Chicken" Avila passed away on September 19th 2022. She was born to Catarina Serna and Eraclio Alonzo on April 10, 1951, in Edinburg, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Oscar Avila (2009), brother Juan Alonzo (1969). Raquel was 4th of six siblings and among her family she was the loving and at times peacemaker as well as caretaker for her parents before they passed.

Best known as Rachel, she attended Palm Beach Lakes Community High School in West Palm Beach Florida. She studied and became a licensed Beautician and Hair Stylist, with a specialty for Hair Replacement for over 30 years. She was a devoted wife and mother, who loved her pets Sandy, Lady, Fea, Cookie, Elvis and Candy. Rachel was a part of the Catholic community at St. Monica Catholic Church serving as an usher for 10+ years.

Rachel enjoyed cooking for guests, entertaining people, hosting themed parties and most of all had the greatest joy dancing the night away to any type of music. She loved creating her own DIY Halloween costumes, meticulously spending hours perfecting each niche in her vision for the occasion. She loved to dress for any occasion and drive her spotless cars. Her passion for Loteria couldn't be matched, even to the point of creating more cards and collecting bottle caps in her coffee cans so everyone could play. She also got a kick out of nicknaming people to her liking. Rachel would also open her house to those in need of a place to live from close family to co-workers or church community members.

Rachel had an elaborate Elvis collection of memorabilia. She adored the King of Rock. Elvis Presley was her inspiration for naming her dogs and even created an Elvis costume decorated in Elvis fashion down to the pink rhinestones and was able to see the movie before she passed.

She was most proud of her daughters, both headstrong and caring who gave Rachel her 4 grandchildren who she absolutely loved. Her later years served as a grandmother both strong and loving to her grandkids attending performances, games, graduations and of course spoiling them rotten.

Rachel is survived by her partner Ruben Montoya. She was also survived by her daughters Jennifer (Armando) Lechuga and Rose (Chris) Vivero. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jordan Alexander Lechuga who she called "Buddy", Gabriel Zico Vivero who she called "Nemo", Michael Christian Rocco Vivero who she called "Mikey" and Layla Raechel Vivero who she called "Rae" and her pets Elvis and Candy.

Lord we give you our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Mother in law Rachel Avila, Godspeed her into your arms.