It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Refugia “Cookie” Sanchez Quintanilla, age 88, on June 15, 2025, in her home in Corpus Christi, TX. She was surrounded by her loving children at the time of her passing. Born on July 7, 1936, on a farm near Corpus Christi, Cookie lived a life filled with love, faith, and devotion to her family and community.
Cookie was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She is survived by her children: Francisco “Paco” Valle (Sheri), Mary Jane Valle, Susana Rivera (Joe), Jesse Valle (Irma), Richard Valle, Roland Valle (Sandra), and Israel “Lito” Quintanilla, Jr. (Valencia). She also leaves behind three stepdaughters, Maria Quintanilla, Mercedes Quintanilla, and Genoveva Quintanilla, 20 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored and who were a constant source of joy in her life.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Israel Quintanilla, her first husband and the father of her first seven children, Jesus Coronado Valle, her daughter Mary Guadalupe Reyes, her cherished granddaughter Veronica Jo Zamora, her newborn son, Israel Quintanilla Jr. (passed 1969), and her loving parents, Jesus Sanchez and Candelaria Sanchez.
A woman of deep faith, Cookie found great comfort and joy in attending services at Jesus Amazing Grace Ministries and spent many hours reading her Bible and singing Christian hymns. She believed in the power of love, prayer, and family, and her life reflected that unwavering belief. Cookie's artistic talents were also a source of pride—whether it was drawing or crocheting, she always expressed her creativity with a sense of joy and devotion.
Her passion for shopping was well-known, and she could often be found in local stores, her love for a good bargain second only to her love for those around her. But nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her loved ones, whether it was cooking, laughing, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends.
In her professional life, Cookie worked for many years at the Human Development Center in nursing, where she took immense pride in caring for special needs children. Her compassion, patience, and dedication to these children left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her legacy is one of love, faith, and selflessness. Cookie’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Lone Star Ranch Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, New Century Hospice, and the many caretakers who selflessly and lovingly cared for Cookie in her final days. Their kindness and dedication were a great comfort to the family during this time.
A visitation for Cookie will be held Monday, June 30, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Everhart, 4901 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411. A celebration of life prayer service will occur Monday, June 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM, 4901 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411. A continued visitation will occur Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 4901 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM, 4901 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411. A committal service will occur Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 Ih 37 Access Rd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410. A reception will occur Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM at The Hall at Ridgestone, 5550 Kostoryz Rd., Corpus Christi, Texas 78415.
