Raquel S. Monroy, 77, of Lafayette, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on June 16, 1947, in Douglas, Arizona, she was raised in Mammoth, Arizona, where she graduated from San Manuel High School.

A devoted wife to Francisco J. Monroy, their marriage of 56 years was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they built a life rich with memories, strength, and unwavering support. Throughout her life, Raquel traveled extensively with her family while her husband served in the U.S. Army. Their journey took them to Fort Rucker (Alabama), Fort Bliss (El Paso, Texas), Armstrong Barracks (Büdingen, Germany), and Fort Ord (Monterey, California), before eventually settling in Lafayette, Louisiana, where they lived for over 30 years.

Raquel earned an Associate Degree in Business from Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, California. She found joy in gardening, cooking, baking, reading and nurturing her strong Catholic faith. She especially treasured visiting churches and historical sites throughout her travels.

As a mother, Raquel nurtured her children with boundless affection, guiding them with wisdom and grace. Her legacy of love and kindness lives on in her children: Francisco S. Monroy (Tina), Pedro S. Monroy (Samantha), and Lydia S. Monroy (Werner Minshall), who will forever cherish the lessons she imparted and the warmth she provided.

Her role as a grandmother brought her immense joy. She found light in the laughter and adventures of her grandchildren: Sophia, Max, Ellis, and Jackson, who were blessed to share many special moments with her.

Raquel is preceded in death by her parents, Ambrosio O. Sanchez and Sofia Montes Sanchez; her sisters, Maria Alicia Sanchez Ramirez (Estevan) and Dora Alma Sanchez Parga (Porfido); and her brothers, David Montes Sanchez (Ernestina) and Adolfo M. Sanchez (Socorro). She is survived by her sisters Maria de Guadalupe S. Rangel (Santiago) and Cecilia Patricia S. Ordaz (Michael), many beloved nieces, nephews and her life-long best friend, Theresa Throop.

A viewing to honor her life will be held at Carrillo's Tucson Mortuary in Tucson, Arizona, on May 16th, from 12-4 pm. A Catholic Mass will be held for her at 9 am on May 17th at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, located at 1946 E. Lee St., Tucson, AZ. The funeral will follow at 10:30 am at Holy Hope Cemetery, located at 3555 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ.