Vanessa L Sawyer

Vanessa Loreina Sawyer passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 2, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on June 28, 1970, in Austin, TX to her loving parents Lupe and Norma Hernandez. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Vanessa grew up in the Austin area and was a vivacious child. She could often be found playing outside with her older brother and sister, roller skating, and diving off the high dive. She graduated from Round Rock High School 1988 and went on to work in the semiconductor field for 30 years where she was widely respected for her straight-shooter attitude, innovation, and commitment to quality. In addition to her career, she was a loving mother and wife, deeply passionate about creating home where her family could feel comforted and thrive. She was incredibly creative and had a keen eye for beauty, personally crafting everything from home décor to stationery, beautiful cakes, and sewing projects. In her final years, she taught herself quilting and left behind beautiful quilts for her closest family members as part of her legacy.

Through she was only 4’11 Vanessa’s presence was larger than life. She was hilarious, strong-willed, brilliant, beautiful, and above all, tenacious. She approached the things she wanted with such ferocity that you had no doubt she would find a way to succeed. She truly embodied what it means to know your worth and fight for what you want. Her radiant and lively spirit will be immensely missed, but what a blessing it was to now her while she was here.

Vanessa is survived by her devoted husband of 24 years, Daniel Sawyer; daughters, Sarah Barrientos Vaiksaar (Joosep) and Emily Sawyer; brother Orlando Hernandez (Brenda), sister Melissa Zavala (James), and mother Norma Hernandez (Lupe). She was preceded in death by her father, Lupe Hernandez.

Though was miss her dearly, the impact Vanessa left on each of our lives will last forever. It was important to her that her life be celebrated for all she was rather than overshadowed by the challenges she overcame. Through the sadness and the tears, may we all find time to smile and share wonderful memories in her honor. Her infectious laugh and radiant spirit lives on in all of us. Thank you so much for being here.

A funeral service for Vanessa will be held Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Cemetery.