Elaine Rey

Elaine Esther Rey (Carriaga), 70, (born February 26, 1951, Albuquerque, New Mexico), was welcomed into Heaven by our Lord and Savior on March 23, 2021. Elaine was the first of 5 children born to SFC Pedro and Mrs. Rafaelita Carriaga. She spent much of her childhood traveling as a proud “Army Brat”, living in various places both within the United States and abroad. At the young age of 21 she married the love of her life, Federico Rey. “Freddie”, as she called him, was a Purple Heart recipient, having served in the United States Army in Vietnam. In 1975, the couple welcomed their one and only baby boy, Michael Louis Rey. Ever the devoted mother, Elaine relocated her family in the early 1980s from Albuquerque to El Paso, Texas so that Michael could attend a school specializing in dyslexia. She became, and remained, very active in his schooling, insisting he get the best education possible. Fred began to commute from El Paso to Austin for work and in time they moved once again to what would become their forever home in Austin, Texas. There Elaine was a homemaker, raising Michael and becoming active in Purple Heart of Texas, eventually earning the role of President of the National Ladies Auxiliary of the Purple Heart, a title she held with great pride. A devout Catholic, Elaine was very involved within their church, St. Albert the Great, often beaming over her time with “St. Al’s Gals”. At nearly every church event she would happily contribute her delicious baking masterpieces, as she would also do for each and every school function of her grandchildren. Elyssa, Michael Jr., and even little Isla knew that “Nana” would always be present, with her cake pops in tow. And she was always present: for every dance recital, band concert, basketball game, football game, etc. Her absence at such events will surely be felt.

Elaine was preceded in death by both of her parents and niece Rafaelita. She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Fred, her four siblings, Robert (Wendy), Carol, Diane (Chris) and Monica, her son (of whom she was unceasingly proud) Michael (Victoria), and three grandchildren, Elyssa Emileigh, Michael Louis Jr. and Isla Victoria.

Rosary: Tuesday, April 13, 6pm All Faith's Funeral Home, 8507 N Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78753

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, April 14, 10am St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 12041 Bittern Hollow, Austin, TX 78758

Burial: Wednesday, April 14, 2pm Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542