Esperanza "Hope" Sanchez

Esperanza “Hope” Sanchez, 99, of Midland, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at her home with her loving family by her side.

Born September 25, 1917, in Zacapo, Mexico, she was the daughter of the late Alejandro and Pavla de la Cruz. Esperanza was a retired custodian for Midland Schools and library. She also worked for The Willows Motel as a housekeeper. She enjoyed her church, gardening, crafts, cooking and especially spending time with her family. She had been a member of Wildwood Chapel and Trinity Full-Gospel.

Esperanza was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 36 years, Esteban Sanchez; three sisters, Guadalupe, Catherine “Kitty” and Mary de la Cruz; a son-in-law, Adolfo Juarez; a grandson, Matthew “Dolf” Juarez, and a great-grandson, Patrick McClain.

She is survived by three sons, Frank (Sara) Sanchez, Salem, Ohio; Reynaldo (Carlene) Sanchez, New Brighton, and Steve (Gerry) Sanchez, Beaver; three daughters, Amelia Juarez, Celia Sanchez, and Lidia (Mark Fraser) LeMasters, all of Midland; a brother, Alexander de la Cruz, Jr.; a niece, Mary de la Cruz; 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous extended family members including Bill, Cindy, and Debbie.

Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the SCHWERHA-NOLL FUNERAL HOME, 600 Beaver Ave., Midland, where a service will be conducted Friday at 11 a.m. by Pastor Arthur Coleman. Interment will take place at the Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Friendship Ridge, and Vitas Hospice for their help and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midland Carnegie Library or to the St. Vincent DePaul Society.