Dora B. Elias Medina, age 82, of Pawling, NY formerly of Brewster, NY, died peacefully at home with her family surrounding her on May 5, 2018. She was born on January 30, 1936 in Guayaquil, Ecuador, daughter of the late Guillermo and Maria R. (Medina) Elias.
Dora graduated from high school and the University of Guayaquil while in Ecuador before she met and married Victor Nelson Sanchez on October 28, 1959 in Guayaquil. Dora and Victor came to the United States in 1962. Victor died on March 7, 2008.
Dora was the ‘world’s best cook’ as her family proudly stated. She was a very talented seamstress. Dora created many outfits and occasional costumes for her children and grandchildren, as well as, christening gowns.
When still a parishioner of St. Rita’s RC Church in Long Island City, NY, Dora was very involved with the choir and along with her husband were proud Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors and Catechists. They were marriage counselors working with many young couples through Pre-Cana and religious retreats.
Dora’s children remember her as “the World’s Best Mom” and know that she struggled and sacrificed all her life so that her children could have better opportunities and the tools to succeed in their own lives. They are grateful to have had Dora as their Mom!
Dora is survived by her children, Victor Nelson Sanchez (Susan) of Yonkers, NY, Cesar Humberto Sanchez (Donna) of Greeley, CO, Dora Cynthia DeVenuti (Christopher) of Brewster, NY and John Edward Sanchez (Donna) of Queens, NY; her five siblings, Gustavo Elias of California, Carmen Deloite of New York, Jorge Elias of New York, Vincent Elias of Texas and Maria Elias of New York. She was predeceased by a brother, Abel Elias. Dora’s three grandchildren and three great grandchildren were her six diamonds, shining bright in her life. Jarod, Megan and Dora AND Jaden, Riley and Marissa.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, 11:00am at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, Brewster. Visitation will be held at Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, NY on Tuesday from 4 to 8pm. There will be a private cremation following the funeral mass and entombment of her ashes at the St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery Columbarium at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dora’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Seminary, 201 Seminary Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704.