Eliza Espinoza Sanchez

Eliza Espinoza Sanchez, a beacon of love and warmth, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in Manchaca, Texas, on January 14, 2025 surrounded by her family. Known affectionately as Eliza, she was a cherished wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose legacy of kindness and compassion will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
She was born on October 21, 1938, in Edinburg, Texas, to Eliseo and Guadalupe Espinoza. She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers, 4 sisters, her daughter Leticia Sanchez and son Jose T. Sanchez Jr. (Joey).
Eliza's life was a tapestry of the love she had for her family and the joy she found in simple pleasures. Married to her beloved husband, Jose T. (Trino) Sanchez, she was a devoted mother to her daughters, Gloria Pena and her husband Jaime of Austin and Dalinda Dyson and her husband Scott of Fort Worth. Her eight grandchildren, Alex, Joey, Makenzie and husband Alec, Monica, Jaime, Hannah and husband Corey, Joseph and husband Anthony and Dylan, along with her five great-grandchildren, Trey, Ceciliana, Trent, Elise, Townsend, and soon-to-arrive Maeve Charlotte, were the light of her life. Sister Elena Gimenez and brother Felipe Espinoza.
Her dedication to her work was evident during her 31 years of service at Cantu's pharmacy, where she built lasting relationships with the Cantu family and the many customers she served with a smile and a helping hand. After moving to Manchaca, Eliza continued to make a positive impact by working part-time for the postal service, where her friendly demeanor brightened the days of all who crossed her path.
Her talents in sewing brought beauty and comfort to her daughters and grandchildren, creating cherished memories and keepsakes that will be treasured for generations. Eliza found joy in the simple act of spending time with her daughters, whether it was exploring new books or finding the perfect gift. Summers were a special time for Eliza, as she relished the opportunity to bond with her granddaughters, grandsons and great grandchildren instilling in them the values of family and the importance of togetherness.
Eliza's kitchen was a place of gathering every Sunday as she was known for cooking great meals that brought friends and family together in celebration of life's moments, big and small. Retirement afforded her the cherished opportunity to travel with her true love, Trino, whose melodies on the 12-string guitar provided the soundtrack to their adventures.
The words that best describe Eliza-loving, friendly, and thoughtful-only begin to scratch the surface of a life so fully lived. Her thoughtful gestures, whether a kind word or a home-cooked meal, were expressions of a heart that knew no bounds in its capacity to give.
As we bid farewell to Eliza, we reflect on a life marked by an unwavering commitment to her family, a passion for life's simple joys, and a heart that always had room for one more. Her legacy is one of enduring love and the gentle reminder that the most profound impacts are often made through the daily acts of kindness we show to one another.
Eliza's departure is not an end, but a transition, as her spirit continues to guide and inspire us. Though she may have left this world, her memory will forever be etched in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Eliza Espinoza Sanchez will be deeply missed, yet her story-a tapestry of love, laughter, and selflessness-will continue to be told with fondness and admiration by all who cherish her memory.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Austin, Texas. Interment will follow in Live Oak Cemetery, Manchaca, Texas. Services entrusted to Harrell Funeral Home of Austin.