Anna Lizzet Sanchez was born July 14, 1981, in Houston, Texas, to Aida Sanchez and Manuel Arnulfo Marquez Cristales. She was raised in Southwest Houston, attended Alief ISD, and was a professional Administrator.
Anna passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 26, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents, Aida and Manuel, and her partner, Israel Flores.
To have known Anna is to have loved her. Her smile lit up every room she entered, and she was always the life of the party. She was her happiest when she was dancing, and she danced to anything and everything! She loved nature, especially visiting parks and being waterfront. She found lakes, rivers, and beaches to be places of peace and joy.
Anna was a force to be reckoned with. There was never a dull moment when she was around. She was a Texas Tornado, a whirlwind, drawing everyone to her, effortlessly bringing joy and laughter and silliness to every situation, captivating you with her joie de vivre. She loved being silly and was endearingly nicknamed Anna Banana by those closest to her. Beautiful, brave, helpful, creative, outspoken, very protective, and gifted with the heart and roar of a lion, her passionate and vibrant spirit was truly an asset to those who knew her.
She had three beautiful children: Juan “J.R.” Rivera, Daizy Hernandez, and Jazmine Flores. She became a grandmother to Priscilla Rivera in 2021. Her children and grandchildren were her life’s biggest blessings.
She is survived by her bonus mom Andrea Valencia; her children, J.R., Daizy, and Jazmine; her granddaughter Priscilla; her siblings Mario Marquez and Gladys Cristales; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and dear friends who she considered extended family.
Anna’s absence has left us all with profound grief, but we find comfort in knowing she is resting peacefully until we are all united in glory in Christ Jesus. Her spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Funeral services will be taking place:
Leal Funeral Home
11123 Katy Fwy
Houston, Tx 77079
Friday, July 17, 2025
10am-2pm
Internment to follow at 3pm,
Forest Park Westheimer
12800 Westheimer Rd
Houston, Tx 77077