Caroline Matilda Clements Rael

Mrs. Caroline Matilda Clements Rael, at the age of 92, passed away on September 9^th, 2022, in Corrales, New Mexico, surrounded by family and friends.

Caroline is preceded in death by her mother Effie Mae Clements, her father Leon Matthew Clements, and by her daughter-in-law Debbie Hester Rael. Caroline is survived by her husband Lionel, by her sister Winifred Clements Begin, by her sons, Leon, Eric, Louis and his wife Julie, Evan and his wife Belinda, and Lanier. Caroline is also survived by her grandchildren, Trisha McWilliams and her husband Aubrey, Michelle Candelaria and her husband Gabe, Lucas Rael and his wife Ana Claudia, Christina Rael, Nicholas Rael and his wife Tatiana, Monica Rael Howard and her husband Marcus, Daniel Rael, Samantha Rael, and Logan Rael. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Cooper, Camryn, Brandon, and Jason.

Caroline was born on February 16^th, 1930, in Jesup, Georgia, .  She graduated from Jesup High School in 1948. Caroline graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Nursing in 1952 from Emory University. Upon graduation, she worked for Emory Hospital before getting an opportunity for a job out west in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she started her career at the Regina School of Nursing. Here she met the love of her life, Lionel, at a Halloween party. In 1957 Caroline married Lionel in Jesup, GA. They spent 65 years together. In 1967, the family lived for a time in Atlanta, GA, so Caroline could complete the Master’s degree in Nursing. Returning to Albuquerque, Caroline continued her work in Nursing becoming a Professor at the University of Albuquerque. She worked as a Nursing Assessor reviewing programs throughout the US for Nursing Accreditation. Caroline also taught at the University of New Mexico and the Technical Vocational Institute before retiring at the age of 75.

Caroline became an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution Charles Debrill Chapter of Albuquerque, the Sandoval Genealogical Society, and the American Association of University Women. She was a strong believer in women rights and education. Caroline felt everyone should be given the opportunity to get a college education.

Caroline loved all sports but especially enjoyed rooting for her beloved UNM Lobos. She could be found on any given Saturday rooting for any of the many universities her grandchildren attended. Caroline loved to travel and was especially proud of the fact that she made it all the way to China, Australia and Argentina. She loved fashion and was an avid shopper. Caroline loved museums and exploring New Mexico history and culture. Most of all, Caroline loved spending time with her family and often told her grandchildren how much she enjoyed just sitting there talking with them.

In honor of Caroline, Memorial Contributions can be sent to her favorite charity, Feed NM Kids at Feed New Mexico Kids | Supplying New Mexico's children with food (feednmkids.com) .

Services will be held at San Ysidro Catholic Church, located at 5015 Corrales Rd., Corrales, New Mexico, 87048, Rosary will begin at 9:30AM, Mass will follow at 10:00AM. A Reception will be held in the Parish Hall beginning at 11:00AM. Burial will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery.