Norma Timones Sanchez

Norma Timones Sanchez, 72 years, loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 5th, 2022, at her residence with her husband and children at her side. She had been privately battling advanced stage colon cancer. Her faith in God kept her strong and fearless of death.

Norma was born June 5th, 1950, to Socorro and Nestor Timones in Luzon, Philippines in the Bicol region. She had seven siblings: brothers Renato, Boy and Arnel and sisters Leonor, Ester and Aida. Her family moved around the P.I. from General Santos City, South Cotabato, Mindanao and Manila. She considered herself as “Bicolana Manilena” with strong affiliation and love of Mindanao. Fluent in Bicol, Tagalog, Ilongo and Bisaya.

On October 30th, 1976, she married Ken Sanchez in Zambeles, Philippines while he was stationed at Subic Bay Naval Base. They spent time in Alhambra, CA, Rochester, NY and later settled in San Antonio, Texas in 1980 where she was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and St. Anthony Church.

In San Antonio she connected with other Filipinas, and they all formed lifelong friendships. Unable to have children of her own, she adopted Keith in 1988 and Kelsey in 1991. She was a devoted mother to her children.

She was an avid reader and was fond of cooking, journaling, and gardening. A lover of all art forms, from paintings to music to movies; she appreciated the beauty of life. She loved to be with nature, to travel, and go camping. She enjoyed teaching family and friends how to cook Filipino food.

Norma attended the University of East Manila and in 1975 received her Bachelors of Science in Education. She taught for a few years before attending the University of Texas Health Science Center where she attained her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1986. She was on the OT Texas Advisory Board in 1987.

She worked as an Occupational Therapist (OTR) for over 32 years at RIOSA Rehab Hospital as a health care professional retiring June 2018. She felt fulfilled when her patients overcame their disabilities. Her specialty was working with TBI, spinal cord and stroke patients. Norma was also passionate about working with OT students during their clinical rotations and teaching them the skills of an Occupational Therapist.

During her lifetime Norma would go the extra mile for her friends, coworkers, and patients. Following her retirement, Norma flourished in her role as Lola. She spent her days babysitting and doting on her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Ken Sanchez; her son Keith C. Sanchez and his wife Rachel Sanchez; her daughter Kelsey Rae Sanchez and her grandchildren Zinedene, Amunet, Jackson, and Sabrina.

Visitation for public with closed casket will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary West on Saturday October 15, 2022 from 10AM to 11AM and Funeral Service starting at 11AM. (1710 West Loop 1604 North, San Antonio, Texas - near Seaworld).