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Melinda SANCHEZ Obituary
September 8, 1949 to October 11, 2013 Where a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. Melinda Sanchez, age 64, of Lake Park, passed away on October 11, 2013. She is survived by her daughters, Kari Sanchez and Traci VanBommel (Dan); grandchildren, Gaige, Leah, and Gavin VanBommel; brothers, Gary and Terry Odum (Mary); nephew, Darrell Lange (family); many other relatives and close friends. She will be sadly missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten. A celebration of her life will be held at the Sailfish Club of Florida, 1338 North Lake Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480, on Friday, November 1, 2013 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to an animal rescue of your choice.
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Memories and Condolences
for Melinda SANCHEZ
Happy days... Sedona, AZ
Traci Van Bommel
November 26, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving to my Mom and Grandma. This year will be the 2nd that you have spent in Heaven, but to me it feels like the first all over again. Last year we went away for the holiday - I couldn't bear to celebrate what was such a special day for the 3 of us without you here with me. I'm honestly wondering how I am going to get through the day this year, but going back to our traditions is important to Gaige and Leah. It obviously meant something special to them (I let them make the decision to go back to traditional holiday dinners or to go away - they chose family tradition). I just have the best kids - the reasons that I am trying to live again after losing you both. I, too, have so many fond memories of Thanksgiving that go back many, many years - so maybe it will be good for me to continue in your honor and Grandma's, too. I just hope that I can do it without all of your help and support. It has been especially difficult for me these last few days as, normally, we would be talking on the phone several times a day. Even though you would busy at work, you would make sure that I had anything and everything that I needed to make the holiday perfect. I miss that, Mama. I miss everything about you and Grandma. I think about you all the time. Even more so lately, because when Gary passed away a couple of weeks ago, it brought back so many memories of when you and Grandma passed. Cleaning out her trailer and looking through hundreds of pictures brought on so many emotions again. This year, you'll be spending Thanksgiving with almost your entire family - strange and somewhat comforting how that circle comes together again. I pray that this is true. I also pray that the both of you give me the strength I need to make it through the day tomorrow, and the next and the next...until we see each other again. Mama this may be the last entry in what has become almost my diary and my special connection with you (the same with Grandma). Some people may find it weird, but I have found peace and comfort in writing to you - in holding onto that connection. This memory book is going to expire tomorrow - I'm not sure if I should let it go or not. A part of me feels like I can't because I might lose you completely, and I can't bear to lose you again. Another part of me feels like you would want me let it go so that I can move on. I'll pray about it tonight - I hope you and Grandma can visit me in my dreams and tell me what I should do. I love you both so much and miss you like I could have never imagined missing anyone. I still feel lost without you, but I am trying my best to live again - I know that is what you would want for me. Goodnight, Mama. Happy Holidays. I love you... we all love you - Traci, Dan, Gaige, Leah, and Gavin XOXO
Traci Van Bommel
November 2, 2014
Goodnight, Mama. I love you. Thinking of you and your final journey to peace - your memorial... your celebration of life was a year ago today(11/1/13). It was amazingly beautiful - just like the person you were. I made sure that it was perfect, because you deserved no less. I often read the words I spoke that day - the letter that I wrote you (I read it to you today), and I hope so much that you heard it and know each word is true. I love you as much as the whole wide world and alot more. Your Petunia, Traci XOXO
Traci Van Bommel
October 11, 2014
To my Mom, my Best Friend. You went to Heaven a year ago today - it was actually on the 8th, but I found you on the 11th and it was then that your journey to peace could begin. I sent you a heartfelt message on few days ago, but it wasn't posted for some reason. I was letting you know again how much I love and miss you. Dan bought you and me beautiful sunflowers, trying his best to brighten my dark days. We wrapped one in a yellow ribbon and tied it on the tree that we planted in memory of you and Grandma. The night before the anniversary of your death, I prayed that you would visit me in my dreams and you did. Thank you, Mama, for letting me hear your voice, smell your hair, hold your hand, and hug you tight; for telling me that you loved and missed me and my family. I don't think that you wanted to go, but God had another plan. Now he has yet another plan - we laid Marley to rest today - unbelievably on the anniversary of you death. He's your faithful companion in Heaven now. This year has been completely surreal for me - losing Grandma, you, our family dog. You have always been my guiding light, my guardian angel, and I need you more than ever now to help me cope - to help me find serenity and acceptance. I love you, Mama, with all my heart and I wish that I could turn back the hands of time - that I could back before that fateful day and thank you for all the days that we had together (I would make sure that we had more time) and for all that you have done for us, to tell how grateful I am that God picked you to be my Mom and how proud I was to be your daughter. Your Petunia, Traci XOXO; Dan, Gaige, Leah, and Gavin love and miss you, too - we will always honor the wonderful person that you were.
Traci Van Bommel
October 8, 2014
Thank you for coming to visit me in my dreams last night, Mama. I prayed that you would - these last few days have been incredibly difficult for me, as I'm sure the next few days will be. In my dream, you were beautiful as always. I could smell your hair (I never liked the smell of smoke in your hair, now I long for it). You hugged me and we held hands - I didn't want to let go. You said that you missed us and that you wanted to stay - you wanted to see your grandkids. I begged you not to go but you had to and my heart broke all over again. You know people think that I'm crazy now, Mama, bc I still miss you so much. Today(10/8/14) marks a year since you became one of Heaven's angels - God saved you from any more pain and suffering (emotional & physical). None of us know or will ever know exactly what happened on or around that day, only that you were no longer with us. I've asked God why a thousand times but still have no answer - I guess that question will have to wait until we see each other again. My grief for you and Grandma has been unbearable - today, like so many others, has been especially difficult as I'm sure the next few days will be. Dan bought you (and me) sunflowers today - he was trying his best to bring some sunshine into my dark days. We wrapped a yellow ribbon around one of the flowers and tied it on the tree that we planted for you and Grandma. I miss you both so much. You're always in my thoughts and in my heart. I love you. Goodnight, Mama - sweet dreams. Your Petunia, Traci XOXO
Grammy and Gavin Sept. 2013
Gavin Van Bommel
September 9, 2014
PS - Gavin blew out the candle (his favorite part). He thinks that every cake and party is for his bday - it's coming up quick (hard to believe that he'll be 3 yrs old in just a week). He kept telling us to wait, because Grammy would be here in 2 minutes (I wish that was true). Then he asked where you were - he doesn't understand the concept of Heaven quite yet. You and Grandma would love him - so funny and full of energy and never stops talking (so animated and advanced for his age - it's like your talking to Gaige or Leah not a toddler)! His eyes turned more green but his hair his still blond (really blond) - so cute. I wish you had more time to get to know each other. Even with the little time that you had, he still remembers and loves his Grammy and GG (I'll make sure that he always does). XOXO
Traci Van Bommel
September 9, 2014
Happy Birthday, Mama (9/8/14). This has been the hardest day for me, yet. I guess it is because this is your special day - all about you and we have never spent a birthday apart. I listened to your voicemail from last year (yes, I saved it) about plans for your bday dinner - something we did every year. It was so surreal this year not shopping for a gift or making your favorite meal or going out to eat at one of your favorite places. Call me neurotic, but I did buy you a bday balloon and tied it to your tree; I bought you a yellow rose; we sang Happy Birthday to you and had cake and ice cream. This year we were supposed to be on a cruise for your 65th bday - I so wish we were. Why did you have to go so soon? I miss you so much. My bday wish for you is that you are surrounded by yellow roses, drinking Smirnoff and coke with Grandma, singing Karaoke with the angels, and dancing with the stars. Goodnight, Mama. I love and miss you more than ever. Your Sweetheart, Traci. We all love you - me, Dan, Gaige, Leah, and Gavin. XOXO
Grammy and Gaige 2006
Gaige Van Bommel
September 8, 2014
Mom - there is something else that I wanted to tell you. So many strange things have happened in the last few days leading up to your birthday - I'm hoping that your are communicating with me from Heaven through Leah's letter and now Gaige's dream.
A couple of nights ago, Gaige came into my room and woke me up (he had no idea it was going to be your bday). He was sobbing and said that he missed you and GG. He had his first dream about you. He said that it was Christmas - the last one that you spent with us. They were opening gifts and he was wondering why someone would give them the same gifts that you had given them in the past. Then he saw you and realized he was dreaming about the last Christmas that you spent with us - he remembered every detail. He said that you were happy. It made him happy and sad at the same time. I held him in my arms and we cried together until we fell asleep. He'll never forget you and the special bond you shared. My kids were your everything. Happy Birthday to their Grammy with love always. XOXO
Grammy and Leah
Leah Van Bommel
September 7, 2014
Mom this is a very touching letter that I found recently. Leah wrote it to you on the day she found out that you had gone to Heaven. For some reason, she hid the letter but I have to share it with you - it is so sad yet sweet:
Dear Grammy,
I loved you so much and I still do. Your really nice. I'm crying as I write this. I already miss you as if you were gone for 1,000 years. We all miss you so very much. Ur so, so nice. So now you don't have to work and ur my everything in grandma's. Too bad Gavin will never know you. We will all miss you. So I guess this is bye, Love Leah. The sad, sad death of grammy. Sorry about the wet tears. Love, Leah, your granddaughter.
Traci Van Bommel
September 7, 2014
Well Mama, tomorrow is your birthday and I have had a very emotional weekend leading up to your first birthday that we have ever spent apart. I haven't written in a while because I was thinking that it might help me to put everything that has happened in the past year behind me but it really isn't helping. I'm still consumed with grief over losing you - my Mom and my best friend. The only thing that really brings me any happiness anymore are my kids. They love and miss you, too. I wish that you were here with us still and that I was planning your birthday dinner and finding that perfect gift - maybe pedicures and spending time together like this picture of us. Happy early Birthday, Mama. I love you as much as the whole wide world and a lot more. Your Petunia, Traci XOXO
Gaige, Leah, and Gavin with Grammy's tree 2014
Traci Van Bommel
May 11, 2014
Mama, I missed you so much today. So strange not being with you on Mother's Day. What an emotional rollercoaster I was on today - moments of happiness with Gaige, Leah, and Gavin but so much heartbreak without you here with me. The highlight of my day was planting a tree in memory of you and grandma. One with yellow flowers - your favorite color. When it blooms, I'll get to see your beauty in it everyday. My angels (you and grandma) will have to watch over it and help us take care of it. Knowing that you and Grandma were together on Mother's Day helped me get through today - you missed her like I miss you. I love you, Mama. Happy Mother's Day - Traci XOXO
Traci Van Bommel
April 20, 2014
Happy Easter, Mama - our first Easter without each other in 44 years. You and Grandma will be celebrating the true meaning of Easter with Jesus this year. For so many years, Easter was such a big celebration for our family. Today my thoughts kept going back to all those years we celebrated Easter with Grandma & Papa and the rest of our family and friends at Jonathan Dickinson and the massive Easter Egg Hunts - so much fun! I've often wished that my kids could experience that tradition. Because of you and Dad, we really did have a fun childhood - never a dull moment. I'm positive you're making sure all the "little" angels in Heaven have just as much fun. I love you, Mama, as much as the whole wide world and a lot more - Traci xoxo
Grammy, Gaige, and Leah 2013
Gaige and Leah Van Bommel
April 12, 2014
Gaige and Leah miss their Grammy. They wanted me to put this picture on here of you with them on their birthdays last year - the last birthdays that you celebrated with them. Baby Gavin misses you, too. We went to your house recently and Gavin asked if Grammy was home and said that he wanted to see Grammy and the kitties. I was so happy that he remembered but so sad at the same time. I'll always keep your memory alive for my kids - your grandchildren that you loved so much. We love you. xoxo
Mom holding me (Traci) safely in her arms on the day I was born
Traci Van Bommel
April 12, 2014
I'm missing you more than ever, Mom. You and Grandma not being her to celebrate Gaige and Leah's recent birthdays was so difficult. And even more difficult was not getting your early morning phone call on my birthday right at the time that I was born - one of the many things that I took for granted thinking that I had so many more years - I so wish that I could hear your sweet voice again. Dan did everything he could do to make it a happy birthday - even made liver and onions! But the truth is I'm so sad and lonely without you. Time has not made your passing any easier, but I am trying to live again - I know you would want me to. This picture of us is one of my favorites - taken on my birthday (4/9/70)- the day I was born and blessed with you as my Mom. You're always in my thoughts and always in my heart. Goodnight, Mama, I love you. Your petunia, Traci xoxo
Traci Van Bommel
February 14, 2014
Happy Valentine's Day to one of the two most important women in my life (my Mom and the other would be Grandma). I never let a holiday go by without letting you know that I was thinking about you - I'm still thinking about you and wishing that I was bringing you your favorite chocolate turtles like I did every year for Valentine's Day - just to let you know how special you are to me and how much I love you. I miss you, Mama. Love - Traci xoxo
Traci Van Bommel
January 1, 2014
Happy New Year, Mom. Typically you would be working right now so I would make sure to leave you a voicemail wishing you a Happy New Year and telling you that I love you - you would call me back and do the same. Then in the afternoon you would bring over black-eyed-peas for good luck. You not being here to do those things still seems so surreal. Everyone is telling me to find the positive - the only thing I can find right now is that you're not working on New Year's finally. I hope that there's fountains of champagne in Heaven and you're celebrating with family and friends there in Heaven with you. I'll raise my glass to the time we had together and the precious memories that are forever in my heart. I love and miss you - love, Traci xoxo
Mom, me, Leah, and Kari at Christmas
Traci Van Bommel
December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas, Mama and also to Grandma. We tried to keep the Christmas tradition the same as it's always been, but it will never be the same without the 2 of you - we did make your Brunswick stew (yummy). It was a very emotional day, but I somehow made it through. You still put the biggest smile on Gaige, Leah, Gavin's faces with the gifts that you got them - that tradition didn't change. Yours was Gavin's favorite - hoping you could see the smile on his face and hear his laughter. I know that the both of you celebrated Christmas with all the other angels, but we wished you were with us. We miss you so much - my life is forever changed now that you're gone. Please continue to give me the strength to make it through each day. I love you, Mama. Goodnight - love, Traci, Dan, Gaige, Leah, and Gavin xoxoxo
Traci Van Bommel
November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving, Mama. This was one of our special holidays - me, you, and Grandma. I know you'll be having dinner together in Heaven. Please help me to carry on the tradition here. We love and miss you so very much. Traci, Dan, Gaige, Leah, and Gavin XOXO
Traci Van Bommel
November 13, 2013
Not a moment goes by that I don't think about you, Mom. I miss you so much. Goodnight - I love you. XOXO
November 9, 2013
Melinda, I didn't know you directly however I knew you thru Traci... And I have to thank you for bringing such a special person into this world, makes me realize what an awesome mom you must have been!
Traci, your mom is still with you…Her spirit will always be with you..Hugs my friend.
Myra and Family
Marsha Gilmore
November 7, 2013
Our fun times and memory's will never ever be forgotten ,I loved you girlfriend !May you feel no pain in the arms of Jesus and enjoy your Mom&Dad in Heaven,I will see you someday soon xxoo always <3
November 4, 2013
Sis, I will love and miss you always...
Rest in Peace.
Mom and me :)
Traci Van Bommel
November 2, 2013
Thank you, mom, for helping me to get through the day. I can't believe that I spoke so candidly in front of that many people - you had to have been there w/ me. And, wow, you were really loved by so many - standing room only. Your memorial was amazing. That was the final part of your journey. You can rest now and so can I. Goodnight, Mama, I love you. XOXO
November 1, 2013
gods taken another angel home i'll miss you dearly.I'll always have memories of you and you will always be in heart. terry lainhart
Vince Konidare
October 31, 2013
Peace, Prayers, and Blessings to all of your family during this difficult time.
With Love,
Vince, Jamie, Valerie, & Nicholas.
Traci Van Bommel
October 31, 2013
Without thinking, I picked up the phone to call you today, Mom. I remember doing the same thing when Grandma passed away. I so wish that I could hear your voice again. Sending my love and asking for your help from above to make it through this Friday. XOXO
Cheryl Kart
October 30, 2013
Melinda touched so many lives. I was blessed to have known her. She will be dearly missed. Traci & Dan my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
God Bless,
Cheryl
Andi Manrique-Mariano
October 29, 2013
Melinda was like a second mom to me for many years and she has a piece of my heart forever. Sincerest condolences to her family, may the many memories of her love and laughter help you through this time.
mom and me
Traci Van Bommel
October 28, 2013
Goodnight, Mama. I love you as much as the whole wide world and alot more. XOXO
Leslie and Frank McCown
October 28, 2013
We are so very saddened to hear of Melinda's passing...so many happy memories of Melinda from my childhood with you, Traci. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you at this difficult time. She will be truly missed.
Mom, Grandma, Gavin, and Traci
October 28, 2013
Kari, Mom,and Traci
October 28, 2013
Robin McDowell
October 27, 2013
Melinda was a wonderful woman and was always there to help. I have many good memories of her and I am very sad about the loss of your mom and know its very hard for you without her. Now she is a beautiful angel watching over you all. Lots of love to your family. May God Bless you all!
Suzanne Odum Kirby
October 27, 2013
I will miss you? Many memories I will always cherish. Peace be with you until we meet again.
October 27, 2013
We love and miss you so very much, Mom, Grammy, "HEY". Still can't believe that you are gone. I know that Heaven has a new angel and that God met you at the gate with open arms and reunited you with grandma. Know that you are never far from thought and always close to the heart...until we see each other again. Love, Traci, Dan, Gaige, Leah, and Gavin
Ashley Leslie
October 27, 2013
Sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this trying time. Love you and here for you!
SANDI MCDOWELL
October 27, 2013
NO WORDS CAN EXPRESS HOW SORRY WE ARE FOR THE LOSS OF THIS BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. WHO GAVE SO MUCH OF HERSELF TO THOSE AROUND HER. THE NEWS IS SHOCKING AND HARD TO TAKE .A LOT OF GREAT MEMORIES WE WILL KEEP IN ARE HEARTS FOREVER OF MELINDA.SHE WILL BE SADLY MISSED.WITH GREAT LOVE AND SYMPATHY.GOD BLESS TRACI AND HER FAMILY AT THIS TIME.WE ALL LOVE YOU.
Ginny Mcdowell
October 27, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Melinda was a beautiful person and now is a beautiful angel. She was blessed with a wonderful family and her memories will always be here. God Bless you all at this hard time. Just remember we will all meet again one day and see our beautiful loved ones. I love you all. Love Ginny and Robbie
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