Esther Irene Sanchez

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Esther Irene Serrata Sanchez, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, who went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2025, at the age of 95.

Esther was born on August 31, 1929, in Brownsville, Texas, to Arturo Chapa (Schaparelli) Serrata and Herlinda Gomez Valdez de Serrata. She lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to her family and community. Esther was married to Francisco Lee Ledesma Sanchez for 70 years, a union built on love, devotion, and shared memories. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francisco.

From a young age, Esther worked diligently in her father’s grocery store in Brownsville, where she learned the values of hard work and perseverance. She became a licensed beauty operator at the age of 17, later working for Gibson’s Discount Center for 25 years in Corpus Christi, Texas. In her retirement, Esther continued to serve others by volunteering her time during football seasons at Wynn Séale Jr. High School and W.B. Ray High School, where she ironed uniforms, polished marching band shoes, and participated in fundraisers, always with a heart to help those around her.

Esther’s life was defined by her unwavering love for her family, her strength of spirit, and her nurturing nature. She is survived by her four children: Nora S. Perez, Celest S. Rodriguez, Herlinda Sanchez, and Jose Sanchez; and her cherished grandchildren: Nathaniel Perez, Sara Jaramillo, Rudy Benavides, Russell Benavides, Ross Benavides, Nora Blackmon, Amos Sanchez, Erica R. Perez, Samuel Rodriguez, Simon Gomez, Mario Espinoza, Maria Louise Bowles, Esther Espinoza, and Victor Espinoza. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Luna, Odin, Kanon Benavides; Faith, Vivian, Jocelyn, Kai, Keaun Benavides; Samuel Rodriguez Jr., Jacob Guajardo, Nathaniel Diggins, Tiernan Diggins, Christian Diggins, Miranda Sanchez, Kaylie Sanchez Elida Sanchez, Linda Espinoza, Nicholas Espinoza, Stevie Bowles, Sierra Bowles, Sebastian Bowles, and Evan Bowles. Additionally, Esther was blessed with seven great-great-grandchildren who brought even more joy into her life.

A private viewing will be held at Cook Walden Funeral Home in honor of Esther’s life. A Celebration of Life will follow with family. Esther will be cremated, and her family will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Esther’s legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will never be forgotten. She touched many lives with her selflessness and warmth, and her memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Thank you in advance for your prayers and thoughtfulness.