Zoila R. Sanchez

Zoila R. Sanchez, a beacon of love and strength, peacefully passed away on November 20, 2024, in her beloved hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Born on March 24, 1932, Zoila's 92 years were a testament to a life well-lived, filled with unwavering faith, boundless love, and a nurturing spirit that touched the lives of all who knew her.

In 1946, at the tender age of 14, Zoila's heart was captivated by Jesse, a young man with a charming smile, at her mother's grocery store. Their love story, which began amidst the aisles of Reyna's Grocery, blossomed into a lifelong partnership when they wed on November 12, 1948. Together, they built a family legacy that would span nearly 73 years, welcoming eleven children into their lives, each one cherished and adored. Her life revolved around her children, who were her world.

Zoila's faith was her guiding light, a source of comfort and strength that she shared generously with her community. A devout Catholic, her commitment to Mission Concepción was unwavering, as she and her late husband, with her late in-laws, Maria and Manuel Sanchez, were honored to sponsor the Virgin de Guadalupe Mass celebration since 1964, a loving tribute to their late son, Jesus R. Sanchez II. This year marks 60 years and the tradition will continue.

As the matriarch of the Sanchez family, Zoila's love knew no bounds. Her role as mother extended beyond her own children to the many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and neighborhood children she embraced with open arms. Her home was a haven of warmth and care, where no one left hungry or unloved. With stunning blue-green eyes and vibrant red hair, Zoila's presence was as captivating as her spirit was generous.

Beyond her family, Zoila's passions included donating to the organization, March of Dimes, a love for dancing, particularly the jitterbug in her youth, and a deep fondness for gardening, where she cultivated over 100 rose bushes, each one a symbol of the beauty she brought to the world. Her home was not only a gathering place for her large and loving family, but also a testament to her dedication as a homemaker, a role she held very dear to heart and performed with pride.

Zoila's spirit, characterized by her strong faith, selflessness, and love, will continue to inspire and comfort those she leaves behind. Her self-sacrificing nature was evident in every aspect of her life and will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her precious memory will be a source of strength for her family, a legacy of kindness that will endure through the generations.

The Sanchez family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the Gonzaba Medical Group, especially Dr. Rayleen Villanueva-Rampf, and the South Texas Renal Care Group's founder, Dr. Reza Mizani, along with all the caring nurses who provided exceptional care to Zoila during her final days.

Zoila was preceded in death by her parents, Maria N. Juarez, Jose Juarez; her brothers, Gilbert and Raymond Reyna; her daughter Sylvia R. Sanchez; sons Jesus R. Sanchez II and Jose Angel Sanchez; her beloved husband, Jesus Z. Sanchez; and her daughter Gloria S. Lopez, who went to be with the Lord just one day prior. Zoila's legacy continues through her surviving family. Her children, Theresa Jimenez (Richard), Richard Sanchez (June), Rene Sanchez (Maria), Ralph Sanchez (Lisa), Annie S. Ledesma (Joe), Jesus R. Sanchez III (Kathy), and Raymond Sanchez; her 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a brother and sister; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends will forever cherish her memory.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

ROSARYWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 20247:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 McCULLOUGH, AVE., SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

PROCESSIONTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 20249:30 A.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 McCULLOUGH AVE., SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

MASSTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 202410:00 A.M.MISSION CONCEPCION CATHOLIC CHURCH807 MISSION RD., SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Father David Garcia will officiate. Interment will follow in San Fernando #2.