Manuela Rosalia Sanchez

She was born on November 11, 1933, in Suffern, New York, where she spent the first half of her life. She began her career at Avon, working first as a production line clerk and later serving as an office manager. In the mid-1980s she moved to Harlingen, Texas, where she continued her working life as a teacher’s assistant with Harlingen ISD.

Manuela was a woman of strong character and deep devotion to her family. She was a talented seamstress who created beautiful clothing and took great pride in her work. She also found great joy in gardening and spending time among her plants. She was especially fond of cats and delighted in visits with the foster kittens her family cared for over the years.

Following a stroke in 2024, she moved to Houston to be closer to her daughter. There she enjoyed the companionship of friends at the Brookdale community and cherished Sunday dinners spent with her daughter and son-in-law, Jeff.

She is survived by her daughter, Fran Wiedner; her brother, Jose Sanchez of Englewood, Florida; and her sister, Carmen Sanchez of Princeton, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her sister, Maria Sanchez of Hurley, New York.

Manuela will be remembered for her wit, her strength, and the fierce love she held for those closest to her. She was deeply proud of her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.