Elia R Sanchez

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ELIA R SANCHEZ

Nov 27, 1932 – Aug 9, 2026

Elia R Sanchez passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at NSPIRE Healthcare in Miami, Florida, at the age of 93.

Born to the late Manuel Rodriguez and Sara Ortiz, Elia grew up in Ponce, Puerto Rico, a place that remained an important part of her story throughout her life. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree.

On December 25, 1953, Elia married the love of her life, Felix Sanchez, in Puerto Rico. Together, they built a beautiful, exciting, life filled with family, adventure, and love.

Elia worked for many years as the office manager for her husband, Dr. Felix Sanchez, an Optometrist, where her warm and caring nature allowed her to form lasting bonds with patients and staff alike.

Elia was a wonderfully creative woman a painter, writer, poet, ceramist, and artist. She saw beauty in the world and found many ways to express it. Her creativity, vibrant spirit, and love for her family and friends are part of the legacy she leaves behind.

Elia is survived by her sister, Zelma Acosta-Rubio, and her brother, Raul Rodriguez; her three daughters, Ilsa (James DeFur) Sanchez, Belma (Tony) Rodriguez, and Cynzia Sanchez; her seven grandchildren, Melina, Alexis, Belmarie, Jessika, Esteban, Katalina, and Carisa; and her eleven great-grandchildren, Adeline, Penelope, Harper, Flora, Eric, Alonzo, Victoria, Valeria, Jadiel, Adrian, and Abigail.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Felix; her parents, Manuel and Sara; and her brothers, Manolo Rodriguez and Rigo Rodriguez.

Elia lived a long and dynamic life filled with art, travel, family, and love. She will be remembered not only for the many things she accomplished, but for the memories she created and the love she gave to the generations that came after her. Her presence will be deeply missed, and her spirit will live through her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.

In accordance with Elia’s wishes, there will be no memorial service, and her ashes will be privately scattered in the ocean she loved so deeply. No memorial contributions are requested.

May she rest peacefully and be reunited with her beloved Felix and forever be surrounded by love.