Otilia G Sanchez's Obituary
Tillie Otilia G. Sanchez 1921 – 2017Otilia G. Sanchez died March 24, 2017 in Castro Valley. She was ninety-five years old.Tillie, as the world knew her, was the oldest of three children. She was born in Pueblo, Colorado where her parents, Tomas and Maria (Pardo) Gonzalez, settled when they came to the United States from Spain in 1920. Tomas found work in the steel mills. The family spent many years in Lodi, New Jersey and later relocated to Gary, Indiana where Tillie completed her last year of high school. She worked as a dental assistant and was a faithful correspondent to many servicemen during WWII. She met Antonio N. Sanchez, also the son of immigrants from Spain, in Gary and following his military service they were married in 1945. Shortly after their marriage they moved to California, living first in San Leandro and then moving to Hayward where they spent the rest of their lives. Tillie and Tony were married almost sixty years and were the parents of eight children.In addition to caring for her family Tillie became a part of the community. She was active for years in the PTA at her children’s schools, maintaining ties long after her children were out of school. She volunteered at the local TV station, Channel 3, was Election Precinct Inspector during elections and ushered at the Little Theater. Tillie’s passions, however, were focused on children. For over forty years she, with a group of friends, conducted vision screenings of pre school children for Prevent Blindness Northern California. She was also intensely involved with Scholarships, Inc. which presents monetary awards to local high school students. Her job resume included bank teller, catering staff and convention worker for the Visitor’s Bureau of San Francisco. When Tillie “retired”, she took up painting and her many works appear on the walls of friends and family. She enjoyed reading, watching Jeopardy, family dinners, her grandchildren and their families and the many, many hours she spent with family and friends.Those left with an empty space in their lives include her children—Tony (Bonnie) Sanchez, Mary (Don) Steiner, Tom (Mary) Sanchez, Carmen (Bob) Cuellar, Elaine (Tom) Zoller, Joe (Claudia) Sanchez, Bob (Carrie) Sanchez and Rick (Cindy) Sanchez; twelve grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild; a sister-in-law, Jeanette Gonzalez; many nieces and nephews and some very special friends.Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10:00 at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward. A visitation will take place on Friday, April 7 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm also at Chapel of the Chimes. Donations can be made in Tillie’s memory to Prevent Blindness Northern California, Scholarships, Inc. or any favorite charity.
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