Marceline Sanchez Lewis

Marceline Sanchez Lewis

December 28, 1930- September 24, 2023

Marceline (Marti) Lewis, 92, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

Marceline was a seventh-generation descendant of Don Tomas Sanchez, founder of Laredo. Her grandfather, Dario Sanchez, was a charter member of Laredo National Bank and later her father Dan Sanchez Sr. served on the board of directors for Laredo National Bank for many years.

Marti attended Ursuline Academy and graduated from Martin High School in Laredo. In those early years she spent studying and learning dance, concentrating on Spanish Dance. She then furthered her education by attending Sul Ross University in Alpine, TX where she joined the journalism club and continued her love of dance.

Marti was presented in the Society of Martha Washington, served as Miss Laredo Texas and the Duchess of Laredo during the Fiestas Patrias in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. In January of 2020 she was invited to attend the unveiling of the statue maquette of Laredo’s Captain Tomas Sanchez in celebration of the life of the city’s founder at San Agustin Plaza; emulating when she was at the unveiling of a monument for Cpt. Tomas Sanchez in 1938.

It was love at first sight when she met Lt. Duane Lewis. Together they raised four children while traveling to many different cities across the United States. As a wife of an Air Force Pilot, she quickly adapted to changing environments by engaging in many activities. Marti’s artistic abilities from painting, sewing, knitting and beading helped her to create beautiful creations. She participated in the Pocahontas Pageant by beading costumes and moccasins for the debutants.

Coming home and settling on the family ranch along with her parents, brother and family was one of the happiest times of her life. Marti’s love of horses led her to purchase and raise Arabian horses. Hence, Un Dia Arabians began in 1975. She attended many horse shows across Texas with her daughters competing in costume, western, English and hunter under saddle. Another love of hers was traveling in the motorhome with Duane across the country and the love of animals, especially her dogs.

Marti was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and she brought a lot of joy and good memories to all those she met. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.

She was preceded in passing by her beloved husband Duane Lewis; her parents Marcelino Daniel Sanchez, Sr. and Olivia Elisabeth Sanchez; her granddaughter Stephanie Ann Richards; and her son-in-law Jerry Gonzalez.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Rod R. (Hanne Zak) Lewis, Debra  (Joe) Richards, Karyn (Brian) Dennis, and Sandra Lewis; grandchildren Jessica  (Clint) Worth, Nicole (Brad) Pace, Amanda (Casey) Adkins, Ryan (Rachel) Lewis,  Holly M. Richards, Joseph Matthew Richards, Jacquelyne (Casey) Branch, Jennifer  Swisher, Kenneth John Swisher Jr., and Joshua D. (Tyrah) Swisher.; great  grandchildren Mary K., Rae and Robert Worth, Amelia and Maddox Pace, Emma  and Millie Adkins, Faythe Rabalais, Dawn Enos, Cade Branch, and Benjamin  Swisher; her brother, Marcelino Daniel (Barbra) Sanchez, Jr.; nephews Marcelino  D. Sanchez III, Robert (Diana) Sanchez, and Thomas D. (Kathryn) Sanchez, as well as numerous extended relatives, and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Monday afternoon, October 9, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 2 p.m. followed by a Eulogy at 2:45 p.m.

A private cremation will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to Southwest Indian Foundation (https://www.southwestindian.com/donate) and ASPCA (https://www.secure.aspca.org).

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.