Our precious Mother, Nora Rodarte Sanchez, passed peacefully from this life on November 18 ^th , 2020 after a gradual decline in health.  She was surrounded and supported by her loving family.

Nora was born in San Antonio, Texas on November 2 ^nd , 1952. A special day that is also celebrated as "Dia de los Muertos".  Nora was raised by her wonderful loving parents Salvador Rios Rodarte and Teodora Rodarte; and raised with her younger brother, Edward Rodarte. Nora devoted her life to and is survived by her husband, Gilbert, three children Monica, Melissa (Abel) and Eric (Wendy) and eight grandchildren, Natilie (Monica); Steven and Jordan (Melissa); and Noah, Joe, Nathaniel, Daniel, and Jude (Eric). Nora joins her dear beloved Family in heaven.

Nora grew up on the east side of San Antonio, Texas and attended Fox Tech High School where she later met her husband, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Gilbert Sanchez. Nora was a loving wife for over 48 years. She enjoyed going to the coast with Gilbert, fishing off the coast pier and visiting outdoor sites around Texas. Nora loved the sea especially the dolphins and sounds of the ocean. Nora loved to hang out with her kids and their families.  She especially loved to dance.  When Nora was a little girl through her adult years Nora would dance salsa with her father, her children their significant others, Gilbert her husband, and her grandchildren along with friends and those extended family members that also liked to dance. Nora loved listening to music like hip hop, salsa, R&B, jazz, oldies, and Latin music.  Nora was an avid collector and liked figurines or anything that was of unicorns, red cardinal birds, dolphins, or the San Antonio Spurs. Nora's favorite colors were burgundy, green and red. If you were lucky to know Nora, you would know she loved The Malt House Chicken, Burger Boy, Big Red, Banana flavored raspas, Starbucks and Donut coffee shops. Yes, Nora did not like her veggies or organic foods. Nora loved bringing family and friends together with tamales or tacos with a Big Red or a Coke. Nora made sure no one was hungry or thirsty as Nora with her husband Gilbert always kept a small ice chest cooler in the car with sodas. Nora was a beautiful social butterfly that could talk to anyone, cheer up anyone and bring a smile and laugh to anyone.  Nora will be deeply and truly missed.

Nora will always be remembered for her smile, laughter, kindness, generosity, and caregiving.  Nora dedicated her life to taking care of her husband Gilbert when he fell ill, her father Salvador when he gradually declined in health and dedicated twelve plus years taking care of her Mother Teodora who moved in with her shortly after her father's passing. Nora always brought people together and took care of many other extended family members and friends so much so many of her children's friends called Nora "Mom". Nora was loving, funny, giving, and such a beautiful soul we are all blessed to have known her, loved her, laughed with her, dance with her and break bread with her. Nora was a people person, and she was open to new adventures that included traveling, joy riding to see sites, traveling, participating, and visiting her grandchildren's academic/leisure extracurricular events. Nora was so proud of her grandchildren. Nora would always share I have 7 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. Nora loved her grandchildren so much she always made sure each one got a birthday card with money or a special gift and a phone call; she would tease them about the tooth fairy, Santa Claus, and ask if they got any money and remind them to always put family first. Momma always had her grandchildren's back for support.

Nora was a devoted Catholic with a special devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Jude. Nora and Gilbert married at the San Fernando Cathedral and she had all her children baptized by the Catholic Church. Nora was committed to God, family and friends and was known to always carry and pray her rosary daily for her loved ones, family, extended family, and friends. Gilbert and Nora, on holidays and especially on the Virgin De Guadalupe Birthday (12/12) would yearly visit the cemetery family plot where her father Sal was laid to rest. She with Gilbert would make sure the cemetery family plot was upkept, landscaped, and cleaned, if not they would report it to grounds to make sure it got cleaned or she would get Gilbert to do it. Nora was dedicated to keeping her parents and family resting place immaculate. Nora would spend part of the day shopping for flowers to decorate the cemetery family plot for all her family especially for her father and mom, and at times for her husband Gilbert's family. And when Nora recovered enough from prior illness/hospital stay, Nora made sure she was taken to visit her brother Edward's cemetery gravesite, whom sadly had passed when she was ill. Nora loved her little brother dearly and made sure they stayed connected for their mom Teodora. Almost every week they all had lunch together as family joking and teasing each other. That was Nora. Nora with the help of her husband Gilbert made sure each family/extended family deceased member at the cemetery family plot had flowers by their tombstone. They made sure they were never forgotten and would pray the rosary together for family that has passed on. We pray to keep up with my Mother's tradition to always remember to make time, and to not forget to visit our loved ones that have passed and make time to appreciate along with forgive our loved ones that are present.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, as well as, for all our safety.  Gatherings will be limited and guidelines for social distancing will be followed. Face mask is required, and we ask that you always wear a face mask (as per County Executive Order).