This fundraiser is to provide immediate financial support for Jay Rosenbalm and his two young boys after the sudden loss of their mother, Racquel.
**See updates section below for information regarding memorial services**
On the evening of Wednesday, November 12th, 2025, our dear friend Racquel Torres Rosenbalm passed away unexpectedly at just 46 years old. Racquel was a devoted wife, loving mother, sister, daughter, and friend to many. She leaves behind her husband, Jay Rosenbalm, and their two sons, Wyatt (9) and Jackson (7), who are now beginning a difficult journey of grief, coping, and healing after losing their mom.
Racquel’s impact on her community was profound. As a school principal for Sherman Elementary in Houston ISD since 2019, with 18 years of service to the district in total, she dedicated her life to shaping young minds and supporting their families. In May of 2024, she proudly earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership, a testament to her passion for learning and her commitment to excellence in the field of education. She was also an avid Houston sports fan, always dressed head-to-toe in her most bedazzled fan gear while cheering for all of her hometown teams.
Jay is an Army veteran who served in Iraq (twice) and is currently a firefighter for The Woodlands Fire Department. He has dedicated his life to serving his community as well as his country, and now he needs our support during this time of unimaginable loss. With funeral arrangements, childcare needs, and time away from work to grieve and care for his boys, the immediate challenges Jay faces are understandably overwhelming.
This fundraiser will help cover:
- Funeral and memorial expenses
- Immediate living costs while Jay takes time off work
- Legal, financial, and/or grief counseling services
- Child care, extracurricular activities, and other support for Wyatt and Jackson during this difficult time
Here are links to local news outlets that have shared Racquel’s story:
Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference for this family as they persevere during some of the hardest days of their lives.
If you’re unable to give at this time, please consider sharing this campaign to help spread the word.
If you have any questions or concerns about the legitimacy of this campaign before contributing, please reach out to any of the following people:
Michael Casenave - organizer, friend, and former roommate of Jay's
John Garcia - long time friend of Jay's
Kenneth Kelly - close friend and co-worker of Jay's
Eric Hawley - long time friend of Jay's
Thank you, from the bottom of our (broken) hearts.
Organizer and beneficiary
Howard ROSENBALM
Beneficiary