Age: 59 of Laurel, Maryland

Passed away March 14, 2019, with her family by her side.

She was born to the late Marisa Gonzalez and Carlos Reyes, on January 2, 1960, in Manila, Philippines. She is survived by her loving husband, Bijan Karimi; her four children, Semil, Andreas, Yannick and Shadya; her three siblings Carli, Carla, and Stefi; her granddaughter, Ika; her daughter and son-in-laws, Kat and Salvatore; her stepchildren, Nazaneen, Farahnaz, Najeela, and Jeff; and her two step-grandchildren, Elise and Vivienne.

Raquel was selfless, kindhearted and loved by everyone who came in contact with her. She had a green thumb, and an impeccable eye for design. Raquel loved to listen to music and dance even when she was home alone. She was a master of all trades, and even taught herself how to do basic plumbing. She was an amazing hostess and learned to cook all types of cuisine. Fluent in four languages, she was a voracious traveler who will be missed by many all over the world, as she had a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Relatives & Friends are invited to attend Raquel’s memorial service Friday, March 22, 2019, at 1:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 520 Veirs Mill Rd, Rockville, MD 20852. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Raquel’s name may be made to the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services.