Liza Yvette Sanchez

Liza Yvette Sanchez of Katy, Texas, passed away on March 3, 2026, at the age of 55, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.

Born on March 19, 1970, to Rosalio A. Garza, Jr. and Rosalinda Jasso Gabbard, Liza was the eldest of four daughters and a guiding light within her family. She lived her life with compassion, creativity, and a heart devoted to caring for others.

Liza had a beautiful artistic talent and loved creating charcoal drawings, producing pieces that reflected both her creativity and the quiet thoughtfulness that defined her spirit. She also found great joy in the kitchen, where she lovingly prepared meals for family and friends. Her tamales were especially legendary-made with care and a love that could be tasted in every bite.

Also an avid reader, Liza treasured quiet moments with a good book, always eager to learn, imagine, and explore new stories. But more than anything, she loved people. Liza was the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back if it meant helping someone else. Her kindness, generosity, and nurturing heart made everyone around her feel welcomed, cared for, and deeply loved.

One of the greatest blessings of her life was becoming a grandma. She embraced the role with endless joy, pride, and tenderness. It filled her heart, and the moments she shared with her grandchildren were among the most precious of her life.

In addition to her grandparents, she was preceded in death by her father, Rosalio A. Garza Jr., Nephews, Christopher Allen and William Russell Newman. Liza is survived by her husband James, of 37 years, their 3 children; Ginger Jillian Sanchez, James Ryan Sanchez, Ivey Danielle Parraga, son-in-law Carlos Parraga. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, Olivia Rose Menchaca, Jake Ryan Menchaca, and Coraline Valentina Parraga. Her mother Rosalinda Gabbard, step-father Charles Gabbard, her 3 sisters, Rhonda Windham, Charlene Nall, and Denise Garza. Nieces, Misty Rose Brisbin, husband Rhyne, Great niece Rosalie "Rosie" Brisbin and Rowan Samantha Anderson and nephew, Lucas Anderson, as well as a host of additional nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.

Her strength, warmth, and unwavering love for her family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she gave will live on for generations.

Liza's visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home, 9926 Jones Road, Houston, Texas 77065.

Her funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., also at Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home.

The committal service will follow immediately after at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 1101 Antoine Drive, Houston, Texas 77055.

Liza's love, kindness, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will forever be a blessing to those she leaves behind.