Maria Luisa Rael

January 28^th, 1933 – July 11^th, 2025

Maria Luisa Rael was born in Michoacan, Mexico to Santiago and Dolores Centeno on January 28^th, 1933. As a teenager, her family moved to Juarez, Mexico. In 1956 she married Ben Rael and moved to El Paso, TX. It is there that she cultivated a life of love and generosity.

She is remembered by many for a giving spirit and her fierce capacity for love. She always wanted to make sure those she loved were taken care of, whether it be the people surrounding her or the stray cats on her doorstep. Her favorite way in particular of caring for people was to ensure they never went hungry. It is this warm spirit that gave her a gift for friendship, she could make a friend wherever she went and maintained several lifelong friendships. Though petite in stature, she had a huge personality that was spirited and determined. She was always ready for an adventure, especially to her favorite place, Disneyland.

She worked varied types of jobs during her life, ranging from a cook to a caregiver, but upon retiring took pride in helping to raise her grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life. Maria Luisa was guided by her faith as a devoted Catholic. She actively attended mass every Sunday and maintained a strong daily prayer life through a daily reciting of the Rosary, often offering her prayers for her grandchildren mentioned above.

At 92 years old, she is met in heaven by her husband Ben Rael, her parents, her sisters Maria Guadalupe Avila and Maria Holloway, along with the many dogs she loved and cherished throughout her life. She is survived by her only daughter Yolanda Gonzalez (Tomas Gonzalez), her grandchildren Ben Baker, Andrea Bernal (George Bernal), and Elizabeth Gonzalez, her great grandchildren Nicholas Baker, Julia Baker, Adeline Baker, and Caleb Baker, her brother Jesus Centeno and sister Maria Luz Martinez, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition, she leaves behind Samantha, Ashlyn, Bella, and Ethan (deceased), whom she loved as her own grandchildren.

We want to thank Armonia Hospice staff for their professional and loving care, and Juanita Manzano for her loving service in Maria Luisa’s later years. One of Maria Luisa’s greatest passions was God’s furry companions. Owning and loving several dogs throughout her life and caring for stray cats around her home gave her purpose and fulfillment. Thus in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of El Paso.