Rachel M. Hernandez

Rachel Munguia Hernandez, age 82, died Thursday December 14, 2023 at her home in San Antonio, surrounded by her family. Rachel was born on October 25, 1941 in Kingsville, Texas. She was the first of five children born to Rosa Pena Munguia and Alonzo Munguia. She married Raymond Hernandez on June 2, 1962. Together they have two sons, Raymond IV and Michael Alonzo.

Rachel was a talented musician and educator. She retired from SAISD and spent the majority of her career teaching music at Tafolla Middle School. She started the Music Makers at Tafolla. It was her joy to see her students perform in annual musicals. She loved to take her students on trips and events to expose them to the Arts outside their neighborhood. She was a mentor to many students and stayed in touch with them through the years. In her early years she wrote preschool curriculum and took joy in teaching young children to love music.

To her family and friends, Rachel was the center of holiday festivities. She took great joy in hosting holiday events and inviting all to attend. One would be hard pressed to find a more generous, caring Christian. Her whole life was centered around her faith. She and the love of her life, Raymond, met at youth camp as young adults. Together they put Christ first in their family and work life. Rachel lived out her faith and encouraged her friends and family to do the same. She was quick to give God the praise for the many blessings that came her way. She was a member of La Trinidad Methodist Church where she served as pianist for many years. She also was involved with the youth choir at Colonial Hills Methodist when her boys were younger. She loved to share her musical talent with others.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty- nine years, Raymond, her parents, Rosa and Alonzo Munguia, and brother- in- law, Neil Nease. She is survived by her son Raymond IV and wife Leslie and son Michael Alonzo and wife Janet. Rachel is also survived by her eight grandchildren Rebekah, Joshua, Benjamin (Katherine), Jocelyn, Kenny (Nathy), Jubilee ( Brandon), Maggie and Mia. Rachel leaves behind eight great- grandchildren : Annabelle, Zealah, Tobias, Asa, Owen, Valentine, Evelyn Lynay and Raylie.

Rachel leaves behind four cherished siblings Becky Munguia, Emma Munguia (Chuck), Linda Munguia and Alonzo Daniel Munguia (Ellen). She also leaves behind six nieces and a nephew and their families, whom she adored.

Arrangements provided by Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Austin Highway in San Antonio. Viewing will be Wednesday December 27th from 6-8 pm. The funeral service will be held Thursday, December 28th at 12:30 p.m. at the Sunset Chapel. There will be an additional viewing from 12-1230, before the service begins. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park on Austin Highway. Reception will follow burial.

The Hernandez family acknowledges that some family and friends would prefer to make a donation to a cause that was dear to Rachel M. Hernandez in lieu of flowers. For numerous year Rachel was a pianist and accompanist at La Trinidad United Methodist Church. If you would to like to make a donation you may do so to:

La Trinidad UMC Music Ministry

Monetary gifts can be mailed to

La Trinidad United Methodist Church Music Ministry

Address: 300 San Fernando St.

San Antonio, TX 78207

Phone: (210) 227-0546