Juanita “Janie” Garza Sanchez, 68, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on February 18, 1958, in Beeville, Texas, to Juan Gutierrez Garza and Maria Ochoa Garza.

Janie was a woman of strength, compassion, and unwavering determination. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and dedicated her life to serving others, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. Her passion for advocacy was deeply rooted in her upbringing—raised largely by her beloved grandmother, Janie developed a lifelong calling to protect and uplift older adults.

She faithfully served for over 20 years with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services / Adult Protective Services in Arlington, where she rose to the role of Adult Protective Service Supervisor. Her work focused on investigating reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults who were elderly or living with disabilities. She conducted home visits, assessed living and financial conditions, coordinated services, and worked tirelessly with community partners to ensure her clients received the care and dignity they deserved.

Janie often said that simply talking with her clients or staff could make it the “best day” on the job. She found fulfillment in resolving difficult cases and securing critical services. One Mother’s Day, a grateful client called just to wish her well. Another once asked her to be the maid of honor at her wedding—a testament to the profound difference Janie made in people’s lives. She was persistent, resourceful, and never gave up on those in her care.

After her years of service with APS, she continued her career as a Field Representative with the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) for more than a decade, retiring in September 2025. Throughout her career, she received multiple State of Texas Appreciation Awards and Dedication Awards, honors that reflected her tireless commitment and excellence.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Janie was the heart and soul of her family. She was married for 37 beautiful years to the love of her life, David L. Sanchez Sr., whom she cherished deeply. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, devotion, and strength.

She was a proud and loving mother to Marina “Mimi” Sanchez, who preceded her in passing on September 12, 2023, and to her son, David Loya Sanchez Jr. Janie and Mimi shared an inseparable bond, spending cherished “mom and Mimi” days nurturing a friendship as strong as their mother-daughter love. Her son lovingly called her “Beautiful Lady Juanity,” a nickname that captured the warmth and light she carried. She was also affectionately known as Mom, Woody, and the undeniable “boss of the house”—a title she wore with both authority and tenderness.

Janie is survived by her devoted husband David Sr., her son David Jr., her loving mother Maria Ochoa Garza, her siblings Juan Ricardo Garza II, Sylvia Garza, and Diana Garcia, and numerous extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Juan Gutierrez Garza; her brother, Juan O. Garza Jr.; and her precious daughter, Mimi.

She was a proud number one fan of the Dallas Cowboys, rarely missing a chance to cheer them on. She loved movies, music, Family Feud, Braum’s ice cream runs, and spontaneous shopping trips—whether to Best Buy or Five Below. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially when shared with family.

Janie was outspoken, loving, and fearless in standing up for what she believed in. She balanced her demanding career with her personal life gracefully, always ensuring her family felt her presence, support, and unconditional love. She shaped her children into strong, compassionate adults who continue to strive to make her proud every day.

Her legacy is one of advocacy, persistence, laughter, and boundless love. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, the countless lives she touched stand as a living testament to her extraordinary heart.

Janie will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, a remarkable mother, a fierce advocate, and a beautiful lady in every sense of the word.