Florestela Garcia Sanchez, 78, passed away as she wished— at home surrounded by her loving family and devoted husband Guadalupe (Wally) Sanchez on May 31, 2024.

Estela was born in Hualahuises, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and raised in Corpus Christi where she was a proud1965 graduate of Mary Carroll High School. She had no problem driving the family station wagon in which she drove her sister, cousin and best friends to school each day.  Later she met her "Honey" Wally out dancing, fell in love, married and raised four children. They enjoyed their house parties and were looked forward to by family and friends alike. Estela and Wally were married 57 years.

Estela and Wally were known to many as the dancing couple and could be found on the dance floor at any celebration. As they became empty nesters, they continued their date nights at local tejano clubs to get their dancing in. Wally often joked that in the morning he brought her coffee and some evenings her refreshment— an icy Miller Lite dressed with salt and lime.

Estela learned good work ethic qualities from her parents and she and Wally instilled the same in their children. Estela worked for Renfro Printing, Benefield Company, Whataburger Corporation and retired from Central Power and Light Company.

Estela's children were her pride, but true joy came with the birth of her Sanchez Six Pack. Six grandkids that she and Wally dedicated their retired years to helping care for carpooling from home to school and extracurricular functions. Perhaps it was that she had been the oldest of 14 children that gave her the patience for many road trips with the kids and grandkids.

She will be greatly missed for her patience, words of wisdom, and her amazing tamales.

Her last batch of tamales were made in January 2024.

Estela is preceded in death by her parents Teresa C. Garcia and Juan Manuel Garcia Sr.

She is survived by three daughters Sandra Martinez, Marisol (Adrian) Montemayor, and Blanca (Albert) Gonzalez; and one son, John Sanchez; six grandchildren and numerous siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Florestela's legacy is one of love, compassion, and selflessness. Though we mourn the loss of Florestela, let us also celebrate the beauty of her life and the love she shared with us all.

The family will honor her wishes to host a Celebration of Life from 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday, June 14th at Guardian Funeral Home, 5922 Crosstown, Corpus Christi, Texas 78417.