Raquel Verastegui Pantoja

Raquel Verastegui Pantoja was born on April 9th, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas. She completed her journey and purpose here on earth on September 2nd, 2025 at the age of 82. Raquel has reunited with the many angels that have gone on before us. Known to her children as Mama, she was fiercely proud and protective of her children, Carlos,Teresa and Gypsy. And to her loyal and dear friends and colleagues she was known as Rocky. And she certainly lived up to that moniker. She was tough, and tender, she spoke her mind and spread love and laughter in all the circles she was a part of.

Raquel was preceded in death by her mother, Ramona Verastegui, son Carlos Pantoja, sister, Margarita Rodriguez, brother Rejino Verastegui and many dear family, friends and colleagues.

She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Pantoja (Todd) and Gypsy A. Pantoja, her brother, Jerry Verastegui and his wife Mary Verastegui and family, brother Victor Verastegui and family, her sister, Christina Verastegui and family as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. And many wonderful friends. You know who you are.

Raquel graduated from Edgewood High School in May of 1962.

Before her retirement, she was a civilian employee for The Department of the Army, where she served as a budget clerk for Fort Sam Houston Institute of Surgical Research and later for Brooke Army Medical Center Department of Surgery.

Raquel was as spicy as her homemade salsa and soft as the beautiful afghans she crocheted and knitted for family and friends. She enjoyed watching British mysteries, Westerns and Old Hollywood films. Her happiest moments were spent with her family. She found joy in preparing meals for them from caldo de res to menudo and calabacita.

Every Christmas, you could expect her loving hands to make dozens of delicious tamales. Many attest to how delicious her homemade food was and you should consider yourself lucky, if you ever ate her tasty meals.

The family would like to thank Rebekah Zeitler, Shay Grandberry, Dr. Neela Patel and all the staff of Heart of Texas Hospice, Gilbert Cortez, Maria and Sergio of Casa de Amor personal care home for the care and compassion they showed mom in her final days. As well as the loving staff and dear friends Raquel made at Changing Seasons Assisted Living.

As per Raquel's wishes, there will not be a formal memorial or celebration of life. We hope that you will share memories and pictures of her, in honor and celebration of her life here.

We are grateful for all of the kind messages we have received from family and friends as well as their loving support throughout the last three years.

We love and miss you Mama.

May you all be blessed with love, health, joy and peace.