Olivia Sanchez Salyer

Over her 85 years, she touched the lives of all those around her with her warmth and vivacious spirit, including the many dogs and cats she rescued during her life.

Olivia attended school in Big Spring, Texas, and later attended San Antonio College where she completed courses in Nurse's Aide training, Typing and Medical Assistant training. She worked at Alcor Incorporated for 15 years while always working 2 to 3 jobs at a time to support the family.

Olivia loved her work at the Medina Base OTS Club and later, the Skylark Recreation Center on Lackland Air Force Base from 1985-2021, planning events for Air Force members of all ages where she received many accolades for her efforts including the Champagne Award for "Most Sparkling Personality," Employee of the Year in 2014 and Employee of the Month in 2016, at 78 years of age.

Olivia relished the time spent with her family and friends. She loved to cook for her family and friends including preparing dishes to share at the Skylark Recreation Center. Her laughter was infectious, her stories captivating, and her ability to make everyone feel included and loved was unparalleled. She had a keen sense of humor and loved to dance.

Olivia's ability to find beauty in the everyday was a gift that she generously shared with all who knew her. She appreciated nature and planted gardens over the many years. She enjoyed having friends and family over for a barbeque often spending much of her time behind the blender. In her last days she mentioned how nice it would be to have a picnic.

Her success is measured not just in her accomplishments, but in the love and joy she spread. She made friends and connections in her every day life. If she learned that someone was in need, she took steps to be sure that their need was met. She was always willing to lend a hand or perform whatever service she could to help someone.Olivia's unwavering optimism and zest for life were her hallmarks. She approached each day with a smile and an open heart, always ready to lend a hand or offer a kind word. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and the profound impact of living a life in service to others. She was a friend to every animal and they were naturally drawn to her kindness.

Olivia is survived by her children, Conley and Melissa, and her immediate family, Enrique Sanchez, Jr., Humberto Sanchez, and sister, Edelmira (Bibi) Licon, including numerous nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart. She is preceded in death by her sisters, Diamantina Sosa and Elida Chestnut, Reynaldo Sanchez, a Vietnam Army Veteran and her parents, Enrique Sanchez, Sr., and Antonia Ayala Sanchez.

As we say goodbye to Olivia we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey completed with grace. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us, and her spirit will forever be a beacon of light in the lives of those she touched. Olivia's passing is not an end, but a reminder to cherish every moment and to live with the same generosity of spirit that she so effortlessly displayed. She reminds us that it is important to help one another including homeless dogs and cats.

Olivia's life will be honored in a ceremony, where family and friends will gather to share memories and celebrate the remarkable woman she was. She will be deeply missed, but the warmth of her love will remain with us always, a comforting presence in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

MEMORIAL SERVICETHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 202412:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST(LOCATED NEAR SEA WORLD)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Olivia’s name to a dog and cat rescue of your choice.