Elisa Reyes Sanchez

Elisa Reyes Sanchez passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at the age of 99. She was born in San Antonio on July 20, 1922, to Alejandro and Victoria (Palacios) Reyes. Elisa’s strength of character, deep love of family and friends, great spirituality and unwavering faith made her an inspiring woman of power and grace.

Elisa’s formal education was limited by circumstances but she never stopped reading and learning. Her mind never diminished and she was as sharp as anyone around her. As the matriarch of a large family, she kept track of everyone’s lives, and even those of their friends. She had a youthful spirit. Her late grandson Mark always said “we have the coolest grandma!” and she was. Never a little old lady, she was fashionable, fun, and always ready to try something new. She worked into her seventies and especially enjoyed her work with AACOG. She built her final home at eighty, and continued to volunteer in senior centers even while older than most there. She loved to dance, travel, play bunco and go to the casino with friends. When the younger generation started moving away, she learned to text, email, and take pictures with her iPad. When covid hit, she screened in her porch for outside visits and established “Taco Tuesdays” so her family could spend time together and indulge in lively conversation. Her phone never stopped ringing and she had a revolving door of family and friends, many of whom looked to her for guidance and counsel.

Elisa was a deep believer in the power of prayer and meditation and she would pray and light candles for any who asked. She felt spiritually connected to nature and found peace in its quiet beauty. She lived with her mind wide open, and felt what others couldn’t see. She lived life to its fullest. At her final mother’s day, it was food and family everywhere, mariachis playing in the backyard, and a glass of pink champagne, cold and never empty, all while wearing a tiara and looking more beautiful than anyone there. She had a powerful inner strength and in her final days remained a woman of quiet grace-- thankful for her care and always grateful to God.

Elisa was preceded in death by her parents, former husband David Sanchez, brothers Alejandro and Victor Reyes; grandson Mark Vasquez, and great-grandson Trey Hammond. She is survived by her brother Guadalupe Reyes of California, her children Dolores Whitehead (Bill), David Sanchez Jr, Lydia Sanchez, and Roger Sanchez, 7 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Although she will be missed beyond words, we are so very thankful for the many years we were blessed with her presence. She will live in our hearts forever.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 4, 2021 at Porter Loring Mortuary.

ROSARY

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

10:30 AM

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH

907 W THEO AVE

MASS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

11:30 AM

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Interment will follow in San Fernando Cemetery #2.