Elizabeth was much more than a friend. She was the older sister I always longed to have. Our lives were woven together over decades rooted by simple family traditions.
Elizabeth carried herself with a quiet pride that started early in life. She was immensely proud of her years at Thomas Jefferson especially her time in Lasso leadership.  That early grace, dedication and spirit never truly  left  her.
For 59 years we lived just around the corner from each other. As our sons grew up together,  we embraced being called, "old fashioned moms". Even though we had perfectly good dryers, we were the moms  who still insisted on hanging our laundry out on the clothesline in the fresh air. We kept the old traditions alive, making sure we ate fish on Fridays. 
But if you really wanted to understand the heart of Elizabeth, you only had to look at her kitchen.  Everything she created was made entirely from scratch I truly don't think there was a box of processed food ever crossed her threshold. 
Elizabeth poured her love into her had food and every season of our lives had a flavor attached to it.
Summertime always meant the sweet taste of her fig preserve on our morning toast.  Our Thanksgiving table was never complete without her Pecan pie and cranberry relish. Christmas  time brought her lemon bars and strawberry bread and the absolute softest chocolate chip cookies.
She nurtured all of us with her hands and her heart. I am incredibly grateful that I held on to handwritten recipes. Looking at her perfect handwriting is a tangible reminder of the care and devotion she baked into every single day.
It is with a heavy heart that I say farewell to my dear sweet friend and sister, Elizabeth. You brought such pure joy to my life. I will miss you more than words can express, but your warmth and traditions will remain our hearts forever. Rest now my sweet, Elizabeth

My deep condolences  to the family  of this beautiful  woman, Mary.  She was such  a sweetheart. She was always so gentle in spirit. 
May she rest in peace.

Mary was one of the kindest and sweetest people I’ve ever met. It was easy to ask her questions about the job when I started working at Regency and get an honest response. I hadn’t seen her in years, but her memory will remain with me always. Rest in Peace dear friend.

What a wonderful Lady. So kind to everyone she met. Such great memories of her at Regency Elementary. Best wishes to all of her family and friends. Coach

My deepest sympathies to Mary’s family and close friends. Mary worked at Regency Place Elementary when I arrived to be the new librarian in 2008. She was so very kind and helpful especially with children. Her quiet unassuming way won over both my boys who attended Regency during those years. We missed her after her retirement, but saw her sometimes in the neighborhood. Her lasting friendship with her coworkers and neighbors was beautiful and inspiring. May she rest in peace.

Part 2-my mom
Mom and Dad would visit Tijuana a second time a year later, along with my grandfather, the week before my wedding in May 2002. On this visit, after stopping in Tijuana to pick up my in-laws, we traveled about 45 minutes south along the beautiful Baja coast to Puerto Nuevo, a small town known for its lobster and other seafood.  All of us- mom, dad, my grandfather, mother, and father-in-law- enjoyed the beautiful Baja views.  At the end of the day, as the year before, we crossed back into San Diego, and it was smooth. Apart from our day trip to Baja California, my mom, dad, and grandfather enjoyed seeing the famous San Diego Zoo, the beaches in La Jolla, Coronado Island, and the great San Diego atmosphere. It was a good time for all.
Mom excelled at playing the piano in her youth. Mom also loved her plants and retained plants and other items from her grandmother's house, and her dad’s from many years ago. Mom loved the Sea Island restaurants in San Antonio, where she went with my grandfather, his wife Vera, and occasionally her uncle Rudy and aunt Ella.  I accompanied the group several times to Sea Island; it was always great to see them enjoy each other's company. 
Mom’s colleagues at Regency Elementary School, where she worked as a paraprofessional with special education students for approximately 10 years, from 2005 to 2015, knew her as Mary.  Mom enjoyed the work at Regency.  Her lifelong neighbor of nearly 60 years, Veronica Salazar, introduced her to the idea of working at Regency.  She cherished her time with Veronica.  While at Regency, she met Loni Shelton, and Mom spoke highly of Loni and valued her friendship. Mom also accompanied Loni volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Veronica Salazar described Mom as her big sister that she could call on her for anything.  I am grateful to Veronica, Loni, and my Uncle Arthur for sharing their experiences.
Descansa en paz, mamá, te quiero mucho.

My mom. Part 1
Family members knew her as “Elizabeth” or “Betty”.  Mom was bilingual and very proud of it. I recalled her speaking of driving across the Texas heat in the 1950s and crossing the Mexican border with her parents and brothers, Eddie and Arthur, traveling to different parts of Mexico: Monterrey and Saltillo (Nuevo Leon) and Mexico City.  I was fortunate enough to visit Saltillo during my time in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, 2017-2020, and shared pictures with her, which she enjoyed. It saddened her to hear people speak negatively of Mexico, as she was proud of the Elizondo and SAN-chez surnames. As an adult, when I was in Spanish language training prior to going to Nuevo Laredo,, I would practice my Spanish with mom at times. 
When I became engaged to Alejanda Blanco, mom and dad traveled to San Diego to meet my in-laws, and we drove across the border to my in-laws' house in Tijuana, Baja California.  My mom had not crossed a border in over 30 years, and my dad, probably never. They both enjoyed their time with Isamel and Ana Maria, my mother and father-in-law, and I still remember when we crossed back into San Diego, which took less than 5 minutes; my dad said “Is that it ?” Prior to the trip, I was transparent with my Dad on what to expect but like so many others, my dad had heard of all the horror stories of Mexico and crossing back into the U.S., yet my mom just smiled and told dad quietly it was “no big deal” crossing the border and reminded us of the many times she crossed to Nuevo Leon as I mentioned earlier.

Steve,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was such a wonderful lady. I remember her and my Mom being room moms at Recency.
I hope all of your memories of your parents will help you while your grieving.

Cami

Steve, I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family…🙏🏼

Steven and Paul, so sorry to hear about your mom.  She was one of the most kind and gentle ladies.   Rest easy Lizzie.

OBITUARY

Mary Elizabeth Sanchez

January 4, 1938 – July 3, 2026

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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