Yolanda Sanchez

McAllen ~ Yolanda Sanchez, a beacon of courage and boundless love, left this world on April 13, 2024, at the age of 64. Born on March 22, 1960, in San Juan, Texas. Her final moments were spent surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering strength and affection.

Yolanda's journey through life was shared with her devoted husband, Ruben Sanchez, and together they navigated the waters of life with grace and resilience. Her love story with Ruben was one for the ages, a testament to the power of partnership and mutual respect. The proud mother of Lizette, Jessica, and Alan Michael Sanchez, and the cherished stepmother of Mariella Torres, Yolanda instilled in her children the values of courage and compassion. Her grandchildren, Anthony Jordan, Christopher Lee, Daniella Renee, Kristen, Jacob, Justin, and Julian, were the apples of her eye, and she dedicated herself to guiding them with the same fervor she brought to every aspect of her life.

Yolanda was the one of the youngest of a large family, a sister to many, including Cruz, Guadalupe, Orlando, Evangelina, Olga, and Gloria. She was preceded in passing by her loving parents Cruz Rodriguez and Trinidad Perez, as well as her siblings Ernesto, Rumaldo, Rogelio, Olivia, Maria, and San Juanita. Each family member carried a piece of Yolanda's heart, and she of theirs.

Her career spanned 18 years with McAllen ISD, where she was not only an employee but a pillar of the community until she was physically unable to continue. Yolanda's involvement in the school district went beyond her job description; she was a mentor, a friend, and an advocate for education. Her commitment to her work was a reflection of her dedication to making a difference in the world, one student, one colleague, one community at a time.

Yolanda’s interests were a reflection of her soul—deeply rooted in the love for her family. She found her greatest joy in the simple moments spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Each shared laugh, each whispered secret, each tender embrace was a treasure she held close to her heart.

Describing Yolanda as courageous, loving, and passionate barely scratches the surface of who she was. She faced life's challenges with a lioness' courage, loved with the depth of the ocean, and pursued her passions with the fire of a shooting star. Yolanda's spirit was a flame that could not be extinguished, a source of light and warmth to all who knew her.

Yolanda's life was a testament to the power of positivity. She taught us that every day is a gift, and that we should live each one with purpose and joy. Her legacy is not one of sorrow, but of inspiration. It is a call to action for each of us to live as Yolanda did—with bravery, with love, and with a passion that burns bright against the dark of night.
In the story of Yolanda Sanchez, we find a narrative that uplifts and motivates. She was a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and left this world better than she found it. As we celebrate her life, we are reminded that the impact of one person can be monumental. Yolanda's story is not over; it lives on in the hearts of those she touched, in the laughter of her grandchildren, and in the memories that will be cherished forever.

Today, let us not say goodbye to Yolanda Sanchez. Instead, let us carry her spirit forward, her unwavering courage as our shield and her boundless love as our guiding star. Let her life remind us that we, too, can be forces of positive change in this world. Yolanda, you have left an indelible mark on this earth, and for that, we are eternally grateful. Your journey continues within us all.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Thursday, April 18, 2024 with the Holy Rosary at 6:30 pm at Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen. Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 9:30 am Friday, April 19, 2024 ar Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at 11:00 am at Rio Grande Valley State Veteran's Cemetery in Mission. Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen

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