Lorraine Vega

A native of Tampa, Lorraine was born to Esther and Roland B. Sanchez. She was raised and lived in Palmetto Beach for 76 years, with many family and friends around. She graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1946, where she was a drum majorette and in the Honor Society. She was hired at Central Bank of Tampa in 1947 where she would work for 43 ½ years, serving as interim president in 1988 and retiring as senior vice president in 1991.

Anyone who knew her understood that family meant everything to her and that her greatest role was that of mother and abuela, or “Welly.” A true matriarch, she invited extended family and friends to be part of her inner circle, loving and caring for all those around her.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, Orlando Vega; and her brothers, Gilbert (Buster) and Richard Sanchez.

She is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Markley and Tammi Morris (Bob); grandchildren, Ryan, Rebecca, RJ and Justin; great-grandson, Vincent; brother, Roland Sanchez (Bonnie); sister-in-law, Barbara Sanchez; nephew, who was like a son, Raymond Sanchez (Soraya); and many other special nieces and nephews, friends and family.

A special thanks to Dr. Craig Kalik for his never-ending care.

The family will receive friends at Gonzalez Funeral Home on Feb. 18, 2020, with a viewing at 6 p.m. and services at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.