Melissa DeLeon Sanchez was born in San Antonio, Texas, on July 18, 1980 to Antonio and Emma DeLeon. As the baby of the family, she was loved very much and raised by her parents and older siblings, T.C., Julie and Frederick. Right from the start of life through grade school, Melissa was a firecracker.  She had her own opinions and grew up very quickly.  Also during this time, she became an aunt to her nephews, John Thomas, Grantham and Matthew. Being very close in age, these became her brothers at heart. Living very closely to each other and going to the same schools, Melissa matured into a young lady who adored and took care of her family.

In middle school and at Highlands High School, Melissa's love for music flourished as she joined the school mariachi groups. As a skilled violinist and fierce belting female, she quickly gained recognition from the mariachi scene in San Antonio. She was quickly snatched up by the group Mariachi Familia and performed with them for many, many years. Her involvement with Mariachi Familia brought her to meet the love of her life, a handsome, young guitaronist named Rudolfo "Rudy" Sanchez.  As Melissa went to Our Lady of the Lake University to get her B.A. in Education, she and Rudy were inseparable. Right from the start both families knew that that this would be their endgame. After dating for 5 years, Melissa and Rudy married on July 31, 2004, thus beginning a life full of endless love and marriage bliss.

Melissa went on to be a teacher at Regency Elementary School and then became an Instructional Interventionist Teacher at Steubing Ranch Elementary School.  Her influence on her students and fellow teachers and administrators was astonishing. She consistently impressed with her quick wit, organization skills, creative mind, kindness, patience, and wisdom beyond her years. Because she had such a big heart, she loved many, many things; it would be impossible to name everything. She was a make-up artist and Bath & Body Works expert. She could quote and sing to you every last word from The Phantom of the Opera. She was a book lover and a Harry Potter fanatic.  She loved anything that sparkled, Volkswagen Bugs, barbacoa & Big Red, fireworks on New Year's Eve, ramen noodles and all animals. But despite all of these things, nothing would surpass the love she had for her family and her husband, Rudy.  Rudy was her everything. Their love is a timeless love story for the ages. Melissa loved Rudy for 15 years to her very last breath, and continues to love him even after.

On the evening of February 29, 2020, Melissa passed away serenely in her home next to her husband and surrounded by her pets.  She was proceeded in death by her mother, Emma DeLeon, brother, Frederick Woods, and many pets including Honey, Pinky Lee, Mathayus, and Brutus.

For 6 months, Melissa was a glamorous warrior against her diagnosis. In spite of her affliction, she continued to work and live her life to her best capability. Her selflessness and positive attitude inspired many and will live on forever.

She is survived by her father, Antonio B. DeLeon, and her husband, Rudolfo J. Sanchez; mother/ father-in-law, Pilar & Rudolfo Sanchez; sister/brother-in-law, Rita & Damian Beck; her sisters, Maria Teresa [T.C.] (husband, John) Segovia  and Julie Woods, sister-in-law, Alma Woods; nephews, John Thomas [J.T] & Matthew Segovia, Grantham Woods, Jared Beck; niece, Yliana Beck; great-niece, Janelle Segovia; special friend, Teresa Sandoval McElroy; and fur babies, Lexi & Manolo.

Although she is gone from us physically, her spirit and influence perseveres through every person she met.  She is gone from this earth, but she is with us eternally, in a song, in a memory, in our hearts.  She looks on us with a rascally grin of affection to keep us safe, warm, happy, and healthy.  We know this is goodbye for now but not forever.

We love you "muncho", Melissa, and will miss you for always.

FUNERAL SERVICES

will be held at The Angelus Funeral Home

1119 N. St Mary's Street

San Antonio, TX 78215

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M.

followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M.

also in the Angelus Chapel

Services will conclude Friday in the chapel.