Rachel Dina Dominguez “Mom”, 94, of Salinas, California, peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family on October 22, 2024. Rachel was born on June 3, 1930, to her loving parents, Andres and Rita Arroyo, in Salinas, California. 

She spent her early childhood in Juárez, Mexico, before her family returned to Salinas when she was in third grade. Rachel attended Lincoln Elementary School. She was raised alongside her siblings, Elizabeth and Charles Arroyo, in a tight-knit family who shared a deep love for music and a strong bond that Rachel carried with her throughout her life. 

Growing up, Rachel was surrounded by family and friends, and she formed lasting relationships that were built on love, laughter, and music. After graduating from Salinas High School Class of 1948, Rachel found her passion for working with children. She dedicated her career to education within the Monterey County Office of Migrant Education, where she became a beloved role model and respected figure. In the early 1950s, Rachel met the love of her life, Raymond “Papa” Dominguez, at the Patio Ballroom, where she was playing maracas with the Don Pancho Orchestra. Their connection was instant, and Mom Rachel soon became the light of Papa Rays life. Together, they built a loving family and had four wonderful children: Arthur, Linda, Dina, and Adrian Dominguez. Rachel and Raymond, lovingly known as 'Mom' and 'Papa,' dedicated themselves to teaching their children the values of respect, responsibility, and kindness, all while creating a fun, playful home filled with love. As her family grew, Mom Rachel became a central figure in each of her grandchildren's lives, building an enduring bond with each of them. To many, she was simply 'Mom'—not just to her children and grandchildren, but to everyone she embraced with her open heart and welcoming spirit. 

Her home was a place of comfort, and her presence made others feel like family. Whether it was friends, neighbors, or anyone needing kindness, she had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. Her warmth left a mark on all who knew her, and the love she shared reached far beyond her immediate family. Mom was always up for an adventure, especially if it involved a trip in the RV. She treasured every moment spent with her family, and her grandchildren feel especially blessed to have so many cherished memories from their time together at the vacation home in Clear Lake, California. With Mom Rachel under the stars of night, there was never a dull moment—just laughter, stories of aliens, and the warmth of her presence that made every gathering special. In Mom’s later years, the roles reversed as her family began taking her on trips, creating new memories together and celebrating the love and adventures she had always shared with them in a new light. Whether it may have been camping in Big Sur, travel ball tournaments with her great grandkids, or even partying in Las Vegas with her granddaughter. 

Mom was an avid supporter of all her grandchildren's endeavors. She was a super fan of Wasted Noise, and always the number one cheerleader for her boys at their sporting events, never missing a moment to show her love and encouragement. As time passed, Mom found joy in sitting on her swing on the front porch, enjoying the warmth of the sun watching her hummingbirds. Her furry companions kept her playful spirit alive along with visits from her neighbors whom she considered family. Mom found peace in life’s simple pleasures—tending to her beloved plants, listening to the gentle hum of planes passing overhead, and standing on the porch, waving her family off with love as they drove away. 

Rachel Dominguez had a soul like no other. Mom was a light in the darkness and a calming presence in chaos. She could soothe with just a touch and loved fully before ever saying a word. She embodied what it meant to love unconditionally, with no need for reason or explanation. Quick to forgive and even quicker to love again, her gentle spirit touched all who met her. She was a reason to believe in goodness and to stand strong against hardship. Mom Rachel’s beautiful spirit leaves an irreplaceable absence on this earth, and her presence will be deeply missed. 

Rachel Dominguez was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Dominguez; her parents, Andres and Rita Arroyo; and her dear siblings, Elizabeth and Charles Arroyo. She is survived by her children, Arthur Dominguez, Dina Nunez, Linda Macias, Adrian Dominguez and his spouse, Patricia; her grandchildren, Sandra Rodriquez and her spouse, John, Michelle Nunez and her spouse, Mario, Hanky, Ruben, and Anthony Macias, and Mitchell Moncada; her great-grandchildren, Serena Rodriquez and her spouse, David, Mikayla Ramirez, Rene Ramirez, Micheal Rodriguez, Adam and Johnny Rodriquez, and Cienna Macias; her beloved great great granddaughter Amia Saucedo and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Memorial Service will take place for Rachel on Friday, November 8th beginning at 1pm at Healey Mortuary Chapel.