Raquel Liholt

Cedar Grove, NC – Raquel Liholt, age 93, passed away peacefully, with a smile on her face, in her home, on July 22nd, 2026. She was born in Oviedo, Spain on July 18th, 1933 to the late Valentin Palacio and Nieves Menendez.

Raquel grew up in Spain and learned to sew at a young age in support of her family and a seamstress and continued this as a hobby later in life. In 1974 she married her husband, Tor of over 50 years after moving to the United States and becoming a stepmother, mother and caretaker for the children and elderly family members. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends and she had a fanatical love and obsession for World Cup Soccer. Her biggest love was her family, Winnie her cat and her grand fur babies Teddy, Holly, Maggie and Milo

In addition to her parents, Raquel is preceded in death by her devoted husband of over 50 years, the late Tor Juan Liholt; and her daughter, Karen Liholt (Jerry Van Riper, husband).

Raquel is survived by her daughter, Sandra Liholt and Wendy Killeen (Mike Killeen); son, Eric Liholt; grandchildren, Angelina Raquel Pettignano, Alex and Matthew Killeen, and Rachel Van Riper; and a cherished great-grandchild, Adam Killeen.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a cause that Raquel held near and dear to her heart.

The Liholt family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.