Rachel Caroline Fernandez Southard, of Elsmere, DE, was born on January 10, 1939 and passed away on July 17, 2024.

Rachel or better known as Rae to many was born at Wilmington General to the late James and Rachel Fernandez. She worked at JC Penney's and eventually retired from Cigna.

She had a wonderful sense of fashion, which she expressed through her love for shopping, especially for purses and shoes. She could often be found taking trips to the mall, Prices Corner, or Boscov's. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles as well as completing beautiful coloring books.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was always welcoming to help friends and family in times of need. Her love also extended to her dog, Abby.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Frank Sr; son, Richard; and siblings Frances Ercole and Jimmy Fernandez; as well as sister-in-law, Joni Fernandez.

She will be sadly missed by her sons, Jim (Karen) and Frank Jr (Phyllis); her grandchildren, Jennifer (Keith), Richard II (Jessica), Alyssa, and Jimmy Jr.; and her great grandchildren, Anthony, Jack, Annabelle, Kimber, Colt, and Parker. She is also survived by her sisters, Geri, Florence (Dick), Pat, Terry (Jerry), and Robin (Frank) and many nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to thank Lynda Mlynarski and Dianne Kasowski for their friendship and compassion over the years. Thank you to her neighbors, Steve, Dave, and Marie for as always maintaining a watchful eye and helping Rae over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Service for Rae at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilm., DE 19805, on Thursday, Jul 25 at 12:00 pm. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Interment will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery.