Raquel Flores Cardenas

Survived by her husband, of 53 years, Enrique Cardenas Jr., and her children Belinda (Frank), Julie (Patricia), and Joaquin “Jack” Cardenas, Brothers Ruben Flores, Richard (Petra) Flores, Sisters, Carmen Ramos, Olga Flores, and sister in law; Kathleen Flores.

Her legacy of 5 children, 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and 1 great-great step grandson.

Rachel, is preceded in death by her sons Johnny Lee Glover, Demetrio “Matt” Jose Cardenas, great-grandson Avery Palomo, parents, Juan Manuel Flores II, and Reyes Benavides Flores, brothers, Juan Manuel Flores Jr., Robert Flores Sr, and brother in law; Ruben Ramos.

As a child she pursued knowledge, which showed in her everlasting love of reading. Whereas 2 days prior to her passing, she had finished another novel. Whatever she did, she did well. Graduating from Burbank High School, in 1958, and her involvement with the Orange Jackets, would spring her forward to completing many business courses advancing her to a career in the business community. She would receive several work recognitions, of exceptional service to service members while working at USAA, where she worked until retiring. She also worked prior to USAA, for a brief time at Blue Cross/Blue Shield, in Dallas, Texas, and at Santa Rosa Hospital (downtown San Antonio), now known as Christus Health.

She loved her husband Henry and enjoyed spending time with him every day. A couple who was extremely involved in the lives of their children, grandchildren, and sought to see their great, and her great-great grandchildren, whenever possible. She loved family. Whenever an event arose, she wanted to be there, either through birthday gatherings, graduations, weddings, baby showers, barbeques, or whatever would arise. If there was a celebration, lunch, or any reason to gather, she was there. This she extended to her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family of friends, and the friends of her children.

Rachel enjoyed sports of many kinds, such as football, rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, whether they were great, or not, however she would have preferred great. She cheered many times over, for the San Antonio Spurs. Cheered at many t-ball, and baseball, games, and any event her children, or grandchildren were involved. She went to many parades in the heat, for her brother Ruben while he was in high school, for her daughter Julie, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and even great-, and great-nephews who marched in the Battle of Flowers parade, night parade, and Battle of the Bands.

From the mid 60’s for Johnny, and Julie, she was involved in the cub scouts, boy scouts, brownies, and girl scouts, as a parishioner of St. John Berchmans Catholic Church. She would continue her involvement in the Boy Scouts, working alongside her husband Henry, for pact 228, for Matt, Jack and all the boys in the neighborhood, who felt the love, and encouragement she would freely provide. Although she was loving, she could also be firm, and apply a stern look whenever needed.

Working with these boys, they would set up many chairs for fiesta parades, and have many camping adventures. She sought diligently to create many craft activities, to enhance the creativity of these young scouts. Therefore, receiving 3 Certificates of Appreciation, one from St. Patricks' Catholic Church, one from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, and the Boy Scouts, of San Antonio, and another as a recipient of the ‘Scouter’s Wife Award’.

Now the biggest love apart from family, was her love of travel. She loved going on the road. Loading up the van many a time, to explore the national parks, and visit family whenever possible. Traveling from park to park, with repetitive visits to her all-time favorite park, the ‘Grand Canyon.’ Of course, let’s not forget the Casino excursions, that had to be included! from Las Vegas, to Coushatta, to casinos travel through an excursion, here and there.

Utilizing every opportunity to travel, she would hop on a plane, whenever her husband Henry was on TDY. Thus, exploring the museums, and historical sites, such as Washington DC., Philadelphia., and many more. Then traveling later in life with family, to Europe to visit her sister-in-law who lived in Germany, which included visits to the sites, of Germany, Paris, Rome, and spending an exceptional amount of time at the Vatican City.

Overall, Raquel (Rachel) loved life. She treasured memories of those who passed before her, and the memories of those still present, with a never-ending desire to create new memories. Most of all she loved us all, whether we were good, or not, she loved us unconditionally. Her laugh, humor, and temperament, of getting things done now, will truly be missed. Enjoy your lives now, and live it fully, until we meet again dear wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, sister-in-law, dear friend. Until we meet again. God’s loving arms embrace you and let you know, you’re truly loved, today, and evermore.

A visitation for Raquel will be held Monday, July 29, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Road, San Antonio, TX 78237. A rosary will occur Monday, July 29, 2024 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 226 Cupples Road, San Antonio, TX 78237. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 1710 Clower, San Antonio, TX 78201