Irene Sanchez, 52, of Waco, passed away Saturday, November 3, 2012 with her beloved daughter by her side. Funeral services will be 10AM Friday, November 9th at Primera Iglesia Bautista, 520 N. 4th St. in Waco, with Rev. Armando Virgen and Pastor Ernest Sanchez officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:30PM to 6:30PM Thursday, November 8th followed by a memorial service from 6:30PM to 7:30PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco.
Irene was born December 7, 1959 in Waco to Jose Francisco and Jesusa R. Sanchez. Irene spent her childhood in Waco, and then moved with her family to California. She attended De Anza Jr. High School and Ontario High School where she made lifelong friends, before moving back to Waco. In 1982 Irene took on the role that she held most dear in her life, she became the mother to her only child, her daughter, Andrea. Irene was later blessed with three grandchildren and dedicated herself to loving them. Irene devoted her life to caring for others; she was caretaker to her mother until her mom passed away in 2008. She was also a professional home health aide with Hubert Services for 8 years.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jose Francisco Sanchez, Jr.; and sister, Santos Odelia Atkison.
Survivors include daughter, Andrea Collins and husband Brandon of Waco; grandchildren, Nate, Evan, and Brea; brothers, Jesse David Sanchez, and Ernest Sanchez, both of Waco, Manuel Sanchez of San Antonio, and Raymond Sanchez of Rosamond, CA; sisters, Linda Sanchez of Waco, and Dolores Mena of Upland, CA; and many loved nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Jesse David Sanchez, Ernest Sanchez, Jr., Sammy Aguirre, Jack Medrano, Rogelio Enriquez Sr., and Kelly Hamlin. Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Collins, Nate Collins, Evan Collins, Stephen A. Jacinto, and Jose F. Sanchez, III.
The family would like to acknowledge a special Thank You to the Wood family.
Memorials may be made to Doris W. Wood Piano Scholarship Fund, c/o University of Mary Hardin Baylor, P.O. Box 8428, Belton, TX 76513 or a charity of your choice.