Vivian Bessie Sanchez

Vivian was born into a family that had very little to provide for their 12 children. She quickly felt the need to help her Mom in and around the busy household. At a young age she began to cook, wash and clean for her siblings.

Vivian and her siblings were often left for months on end to care for themselves while their parents left to work. She once counted 13 schools attended by the 8th grade. This course up-bringing helped mold her faith in God and perseverance to do more for her children.

In 1961, Vivian married Arturo Marin. In this marriage they had 2 daughters. Diana and Catherine Marin. The couple spent their next few years in Yuba City, California. The marriage ended after only a few years.

In 1968, Vivian met the love of her life, Jose Sanchez while working at a farm in Yuba City, California. Vivian was working as a laborer and Jose was operating a tractor. She spotted him while he was arm wrestling for extra money during their lunch break. Vivan and Jose started dating and fell in love. They were married in Reno Nevada on July 18, 1969. To this union were born Vivian and Jose Jr (Joe). The couple moved between California and Texas and eventually settled in Eldorado, TX.

Vivian was a loving housewife that cared for her children and husband. She took great pride in her clean home and great cooking. Her tortillas, caldos, guisos and salsa were bar-none. Mom became rich with the love of her 19 grandchildren. She and Jose always cherished the time spent with each of their grandchildren. Vivian took most pride in her Catholic faith as she believed in Jesus Christ our Savior.

In 2017 she underwent a procedure that did not go as planned and left her with little function of her left arm and right leg. Over the past few years her health continued to decline due to her impairment. Vivian never lost her faith and always prayed for health, prosperity and blessings for her family.

Vivian Bessie is survived by her loving husband, Jose Sanchez Sr. Children – Diana Farris, Guadalupe Sanchez Anguiano, Vivian Mata and husband Efraim, Jose Sanchez Jr(Joe) and wife Jodi. She had 19 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Vivian Bessie’s siblings: Joe Louis & Rosa Anaya, Delifinia Anaya Torres, Sister-in-Law and God Mother-Ynocencia Sandoval Anaya, Andrew and Louisa Anaya, Joe and Carmen Anaya, Guadalupe Anaya and Antonio Anaya.

Vivian is preceded in death by her mother and father Bersabe and Jose Anaya. Her daughter Catherine Marin. Her siblings Richard Anaya and wife Marcela, Mary Helen Parraz, Timoteo Anaya, Torivio”Toby” Ponce and wife Margie and Bitalio Anaya.

We would like to pass a special thank you to Dr. Radley Nichols and his staff at the Shannon Center for Wound Care. Gentiva Hospice of San Angelo took special care of Vivian when most in need. Lastly, Staci Chatham and the Staff of the Schleicher County Nursing Home performed an impeccable job caring for Vivian. The love and care they provide for the elderly is unparallel.

In Vivian’s memory, a rosary will be held on Thursday 6pm at Johnson’s Funeral Home in San Angelo. Subsequently, the family will hold a private burial.

The Family asks that in lieu of flowers that one can make a donation to the Dementia Society of America.