Noemi Sanchez

Noemi Sanchez (nee Garcia)

Noemi Sanchez (nee Garcia), age 89, entered eternal rest on Sunday, March 17, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. A beloved mother and grandmother, Noemi was born on February 9, 1935, in Laredo, TX to Ricardo and Genobeva Garcia, and was a lifelong resident of East Chicago Harbor, Indiana.

Noemi is survived by five children: Daniel (Juanita) Guzman, Ida (Joe) Garcia, Annette(late James Sr.)Marrero, Jose Sanchez(Mary Dempsey), and Prescott (Patty) Serna; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, ; and siblings Robert and Graciela Garcia and nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father and mother; daughters Margaret (Augustin) Acevedo, Maria Elizabeth (Delbert Sr.) Johnson, and son-in-law James Marrero Sr.; grandchildren Harvey and Delbert Johnson Jr., and Fernanda Feliciano; and brothers Guillermo, Ricardo Jr., David, and Adam Garcia.

Throughout her life, she dedicated her energy and time ensuring her house always felt like a home to whoever walked through her door. She made sure you were fed, you were clothed, and most importantly, that you were loved. She continued this caring sentiment in her later years while serving as a senior care companion as Noemi’s love truly knew no end. If you could not take care of yourself, she was there doing everything in her power to care for you.

She spent her days enjoying the simple things in life; starting off her mornings praying the rosary, enjoying a cup of coffee and one of her favorite sweets, turning on a telenovela or the news to watch, and chatting on the phone with family and her closest friends. She was a phenomenal cook, infamous for her Puerto Rican rice recipe. She enjoyed being surrounded by her loved ones at family functions, where she would sit and watch everyone “party party party” and enjoy the eats, until the kids starting run around too much or being too loud…then she would have to let you know to settle down. 😊 

Noemi lived a life dedicated to her family that spanned five generations, always there to provide care, comfort, and support whenever needed, but not afraid to give it to you straight and tell you like it was. A family that will keep her memory alive, and through which her legacy will live on through. She was our protector while here next to us on Earth, and now we are so lucky to have her as our guardian angel watching over us from above.

Although we could have spent forever with her, she was ready to know true peace. We will never forget the stories she told us, the laughs we shared with her, the memories we made with her - but most importantly, we will never forget how she made us feel. Like you were the most special person in the world. Like time stood still when you walked into a room, as her eyes would well up with tears as you greeted her. As you said your goodbyes, once again her eyes would well up with tears and you could physically feel the love she had for you – never missing a chance to tell you she loved you and to take good care of yourself. 

A heartfelt thankful to Noemi’s son Prescott, daughter-in-law Patty, and daughter Ida who selflessly and devotedly cared for and comforted her with the highest level of empathy, compassion, and love during the last 8 months of her life. After spending her entire time on Earth ensuring her family was loved and cared for, it was this sentiment that she truly deserved during the final moments of her life. Some of her last words were asking about her children and grandchildren, thinking of others – as always – until the very end. 

When we needed the shelter of someone’s arms, there she was. When we needed someone to understand our ups and downs, there she was. She brightened up our days with a love so sweet in so many ways. How sweet it was to be loved by her.