Beloved mother of Paulina (Jeff) Hornberger, Patrick Ponce, and Jaime (Jenny) Reyes. Loving grandmother of Julia Hornberger, Megan Hornberger, and Sabrina Reyes. Cherished daughter of the late Julio Lopez and Rosa Falconi. Dear sister of Lupe and the late Hilda and Olga. Beloved aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

Born in Quito, Ecuador, Raquel lived a life defined by warmth, optimism, and an enduring joy for life. She shared that spirit with everyone she met, from family and friends to the thousands of international travelers who came to know her as a familiar, welcoming face during her many years at the duty-free store at O'Hare International Airport.

Raquel embraced retirement with the same enthusiasm that guided her throughout her life. She devoted herself to her children and grandchildren, traveled often, and found happiness in life's simple pleasures: Spanish-language telenovelas, ice cream, gardening, and time spent with the people she loved most.

Although she spent more than half of her life in the United States and was proud to call America home, Raquel never lost her deep connection to Ecuador. She loved sharing stories of her childhood in Quito and treasured memories of the friends, family, and experiences that shaped her early years. Ecuador always held a special place in her heart.

Raquel will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering optimism, her devotion to family, and her remarkable ability to find joy in every stage of life. She brought happiness to those around her and leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Memorial Visitation, Saturday September 19th at 10 am at Saint Mary Parish, 10 N Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL. A memorial mass will follow at 10:30 am.

In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help