Obituary Raquel “Rae” Gonzalez

It is with great sadness that we share that recently retired Vice Mayor Raquel “Rae” Gonzalez passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from her long-fought battle with ovarian cancer. In an earlier press release announcing her retirement Vice Mayor Gonzalez stated “I have made great memories, have been part of positive change, and am grateful for the City Council and staff for their support and guidance. I’ve truly enjoyed being a part of City Council and serving the community.”

“No words can describe how we are all feeling upon receiving this terrible news,” said Mayor Helen Fisicaro. “I am honored to have served with Rae over the last fourteen years, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gonzalez family.”

“Rae loved serving her community and had a passion for making the Town of Colma a better place to live, work and visit,” said City Manager Brian Dossey. “The Colma community will miss her greatly.”

Vice Mayor Gonzalez had a remarkably long tenure with the Town. She first joined the Colma Family in 1989 as the Town’s Public Information Officer. In 2002, she was first appointed, then elected Treasurer, a position she held for 6 years. In 2008 she joined City Council, where she has served for 14 years, with two terms as Mayor.

The Gonzalez family expressed their gratitude for the support and friendship the Vice Mayor has received from the Colma community through the years, but kindly asked for privacy during this time.

For questions, please contact City Manager Brian Dossey (650) 997-8300.

UPDATED JULY 28, 2022:

Due to unforeseen changes in Vice Mayor Raquel “Rae” Gonzalez’s health, last night, the Vice Mayor informed the City Council and staff that she has moved up her retirement date to July 28, 2022. In an earlier press release, Vice Mayor Gonzalez stated that “I have made great memories, have been part of positive change, and am grateful for the City Council and staff for their support and guidance. I’ve truly enjoyed being a part of City Council and serving the community, and at this time need to focus my energy on battling stage IV ovarian cancer.” On behalf of the Town of Colma we are all sending our thoughts and prayers to Rae and the Gonzalez family.

Once again, Vice Mayor Gonzalez expressed her gratitude for the support and friendship she has received from the Colma community through the years, but kindly asked for privacy during this time.

Vice Mayor Gonzalez’s term is set to run out in 2024. At an August City Council meeting the Council along with staff and the public will consider the options on how best to fill the Vice Mayor’s vacated seat on the City Council for the remaining two years.

July 19, 2022: Vice Mayor Raquel “Rae” Gonzalez announces her retirement from the Town of Colma.

Late yesterday afternoon Vice Mayor Raquel “Rae” Gonzalez submitted her notice of retirement to the City Council, citing that she can no longer give 100% to her responsibilities due to recent changes in her health. Vice Mayor Gonzalez’s last day serving on the City Council will be September 5, 2022. Vice Mayor Gonzalez stated that “I have made great memories, have been part of positive change, and am grateful for the City Council and staff for their support and guidance. I’ve truly enjoyed being a part of City Council and serving the community, and at this time need to focus my energy on battling stage IV ovarian cancer.”

Vice Mayor Gonzalez expressed her gratitude for the support and friendship she has received from the Colma community through the years, but kindly asked for privacy during this time.

In response to Vice Mayor’s Gonzalez’s announcement, Mayor Helen Fisicaro said, “We are all in support of the Vice Mayor’s decision and are thankful for her leadership, kindness, and commitment to the community. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve alongside her and we are grateful for her many years of service.”

Vice Mayor Gonzalez has had a remarkably long tenure with the Town. She first joined the Colma Family in 1989 as the Town’s Public Information Officer. In 2002, she was first appointed, then elected Treasurer, a position she held for 6 years. In 2008 she joined City Council, where she has served for 14 years, with two terms as Mayor.

Vice Mayor Gonzalez’s term is set to run out in 2024. At a future City Council meeting the Council along with staff and the public will consider the options on how best to fill the Vice Mayor’s vacated seat on the City Council for the remaining two years. Vice Mayor Gonzalez’s last City Council meeting will be on August 24, 2022.