Raquel "Rae" Marie Calderon

Raquel "Rae" Marie Reyes, age 83, of Chicago, IL, and most recently of Lake City, Michigan, passed away suddenly on February 2, 2026.

Rae was born on November 2, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Maria Gonzalez and Ramon "Trinidad" Reyes. She was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Pudenciana Rico Reyes. Rae’s deep love and dedication to her grandmother were truly admirable. The recipes and stories she learned in that kitchen continue to be cherished and passed down through her daughters and granddaughter today. 

Rae grew up and established roots in the neighborhoods of McKinley Park, Brighton Park, Marquette Park, and West Lawn. She married the love of her life, Alfred Calderon, on September 2, 1961, and they celebrated nearly 61 years together. Rae became a wife and mother early in life, and worked part-time as a switchboard operator at Reliable Truck and Trailers. Seeking more fulfillment, she returned to school at age 32 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in 1979. She then worked as a Medical Technologist at the same hospital, dedicating herself to healthcare until her retirement in 2004.  

She and her husband, Alfred, bought what would be their final home in Lake City, Michigan, in 1994, where they appreciated peaceful weekend getaways. After retirement, they moved there permanently to enjoy the quiet, the clean air, and the slower pace of life. You could often find them at the Casinos, not so much for the gambling, but for the live music, where they could take a spin on the dance floor. After experiencing the profound loss of her spouse, Rae found solace and strength in the friendships she formed through Grief Counseling at Hospice of Michigan. With her compassionate heart, she became a comforting presence and a sincere listener for others navigating their own journeys of grief, offering support and understanding to those in need.

Rae is survived by her daughters, Donnamarie, Dayna (Eric Noden), Doreen; granddaughter, Elaina; sisters, Michele Reyes (John Reichard), Diane Driscoll; and over 30 nieces and nephews. Her love language was cooking, sewing, and creating objects for her children, granddaughter, and friends. She was our “Fabuela” - like an “abuela” (grandmother), “pero más fabulosa!”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Calderon in 2023.  Her daughters are comforted knowing that they are now reunited, dancing endlessly together on a cruise ship in Heaven. When someone becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

A Celebration of Life and burial will be held in Chicago for family and friends at a future date.  The family is being served by the Young-Holdship Funeral Home in Lake City. Words of comfort and memories may be shared on  www.holdshipfuneralhomes.com