Gladys Sanchez Obituary

GLADYS S.F. SANCHEZ It is with sadness that our family announces the passing of our mom, grandma, great grandma, and sister, Gladys Sut Far Sanchez on July 26, 2024 at 93 years old. Gladys was born in Honolulu on March 8, 1931 and resided in Kaneohe since 1960. Gladys was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, married Howard Auyong in 1952 and had four children. She was the ultimate stay-at-home mom, taking care of the children and household while Howard worked. As the children got older, she worked as a substitute teacher, sold Tupperware, and remarkably went back to school in her 40s to get her LPN license from KCC. That led her to work at the Queen's Hospital as it was known then, and eventually to the Hawaii State Hospital. Life changed drastically when Howard passed away in 1978, but Gladys lived with the same tenacity she always had. She found love again, and married Pedro (Pete) Sanchez in 1980. Together they traveled the world and enjoyed spoiling their three granddaughters. Gladys retired from the State after working as a counselor at the Wahiawa Mental Health Clinic. Pete passed away in 1995, and she was left a widow for the second time. Retirement meant more time to serve the community so Gladys got involved with HCAP distributing food, the Kaneohe Senior Hui where she served as president for several years, the Kailua senior group, and the KEY Project in Kahalu'u. Her heart to help take care of people kept her active and gave her purpose for over 10 years. In recent years, as Gladys' health declined, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's and dementia. Her last three years were spent in a wonderful care home where she passed away surrounded by family. Gladys was pre-deceased by her two husbands, son Howard, and two brothers, George and Garrett Chu. She is survived by daughter Glory (Dean) Yoshida, sons Craig and Kendell Auyong, granddaughters Malia (Kaipo) Pi'imauna, Lehua (Charles) Markpol and Jasmine Auyong, great grandchildren Kailey Pi'imauna, Kekoa Pi'imauna, Landon Markpol and Liko Markpol, sister Gloria Keomalu-Pastor, and numerous nieces and nephews. A private celebration of life was held. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary