Rachel Sanchez

The Heavenly Choir gained a new voice on June 18, 2023, when our beloved Rachel Sanchez was called to Heaven. Rachel, a cherished source of love and warmth, was born in Socorro, TX on August 25, 1932. She married Felix Sanchez, and together, they raised a beautiful family, consisting of four children: Annie, Gloria, Felix Jr, Ernie and later joined by Patsy.

She was a proud and doting grandmother of eight: Stevie, Eric, Amanda, JoDee, Ricky, Audrey, Julian, and Vaughn, and an adoring great grandmother of seven: Nathan, Valerie, Vanessa, Felix, Samantha, Liliana, and Isabella.

Throughout her life, Rachel's loving spirit shone brightly as she worked as a cook at St. Margaret's Orphanage, St. Charles Seminary, and for Bishop Pena. Food was her love language, and anyone who entered her home always received a warm embrace, a heartfelt prayer, irresistible food, and a memorable bendición before they left.

Rachel's home was a sanctuary, always brimming with love, hearty laughter, food, and music. Ever a playful and vibrant soul, Rachel loved to sing and dance; with one of her songs playing, you might find yourself being gracefully twirled around the living room or swept up onto the dance floor.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Ricardo and Virginia Apodaca; sisters Rory, Chila, Mary, and Inez; her loving husband of 50 years, Felix; daughter Gloria and son-in-law Edward; son Felix Jr; and grandsons Stevie and Eric.

She is survived by her sister, Tere Holguin; her devoted children Annie, Patsy, and Ernie; grandchildren Amanda, JoDee, Noemi, Ricky, Audrey, Julian, and Vaughn; her great-grandchildren; and countless nieces and nephews. Rachel was also a caring godmother to numerous godchildren whom she embraced as her own. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Three Oaks Hospice and Rachel's nurses, who provided exceptional care with unwavering dedication until the very end. Rachel will always live on in the warmth of her love and the cherished memories she leaves behind.

Visitation for our beloved Rachel Sanchez will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a heartfelt Rosary service taking place at 6:00 PM, Monday, June 26, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Homes- East, 750 N. Carolina. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Rachel's life will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, 503 Hunter. Graveside Service will follow at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery. We invite all friends and family to join us as we honor and remember the love, warmth, and cherished memories Rachel brought into our lives.