Shirley Dianne Sandlin González

A proud native of Laredo and daughter of South Texas, Shirley Dianne Sandlin González passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 3, 2024, surrounded by family members in her home. Shirley courageously fought lymphoma cancer for three years before entering eternal rest.



Shirley was born on October 9, 1945, to Mary and Larry Sandlin. She was preceded in death by her parents, her aunt and uncle, Lilia and Guadalupe Martínez, and her aunt, Yolanda Salinas.



As a youngster, Shirley spent many happy times with her aunt and uncle at their home and at her uncle's Rancho La Union® in San Ygnacio. Her love for horses was developed there. She shared many memories of meriendas with her Aunt Lilia along the banks of the Rio Grande. She was thrilled to attend the Kentucky Derby and faithfully watched its broadcast every first Saturday in May. Her roots run deep through the history of northern México and south Texas as her mother, born María Luisa Gutiérrez, is a descendent of José Bernardo Maximiliano Gutiérrez De Lara.



A proud graduate (Class of '63) of Laredo's Ursuline Academy, Shirley went on to earn both her Bachelor's Degree and Masters of Humanities Degree from the University of Texas at Dallas.



Her love for education was fostered by her Aunt Lilia, herself an educator in San Ygnacio. Inspired by this, Shirley had Rancho La Union® designated as an Educational Facility with partnerships with Texas A&M International University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville.



She was honored that her Uncle Lupe chose her to be a charter member of The Guadalupe and Lilia Martínez Foundation, serving as Secretary (2001 - 2006) and President until 2024. Through her guidance and leadership, the Foundation continues to provide funding to almost 50 qualifying organizations supporting the arts, education, health care, history, science, public safety, and religious assistance in Webb and Zapata counties.



Shirley's compassion, dedication, and love for her family and others was not only shown through her Foundation leadership, but also through her love for animals. Throughout her life, she adopted, nurtured, and rescued many animals, and had a unique ability to bond with every one of them. Knowing she is at peace after crossing the Rainbow Bridge brings her family great comfort.

She is survived by her spouse of 58 years, Robert J. González; her son, Robert J. González, Jr.(Claudia); her daughter, Ana Sabrina González; her grandchildren, Quinton Alexander González(Bridget), Brendan Patrick Adams, Nadia Alexandra González, and Robert J. González, III, and her great-grandson, Liam Michael González. Also surviving Shirley is her beautiful puppy, Guerita.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bryan Lowery who served as her physician and hospice Medical Doctor. We also want to thank her hospice nurse, Hayley Megert who treated Shirley with such wonderful care.



A funeral Mass will be held at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Allen, TX on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will take place after the Mass at the church. The family is also planning a Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life in Laredo at a future date.



In place of flowers, the family requests that a charitable donation be made to the non-profit organization of your choice.