Leida A. ‘Cookie’ Sanchez, accomplished educator
Leida A. Rodriguez Sanchez of Dover, affectionately known as Cookie, went home to be with Our Lord Jesus Christ Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in Dover at the age of 67. She was surrounded by her family and passed away peacefully.
Cookie was born July 29, 1953, to the late Agapito and Ana Rodriguez, in New York City. Cookie is survived by her husband, Harry J Sanchez; her children, Melanie Sanchez, Anjeanette Sanchez, Justin Montanez, Godson Robert Dooley, and her princess Ciara Coley (granddaughter). Cookie had seven brothers and sisters. She is survived by Nancy Rodriguez, Anna Rodriguez, Francis Rivera, Wanda Vega and Hector Rodriguez. She was preceded in death by her brother Agapito Rodriguez Jr. and sister Felicita Torres. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In 1966, Cookie met Harry and it was love at first sight. They married in 1971, and over the span of 54 years, she was a military wife and mother. The couple welcomed three children and helped raise their godson in their home. Cookie was a fiercely dedicated mother. She was her children's biggest cheerleader and constant supporter. Her children and granddaughter remember her as a driven, honest, giving, forgiving, loving mother/grandmother who encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams.
Cookie graduated from Wilmington University with a degree in accounting, and a master’s degree in business and finance. She retired from Delaware State University as a financial analyst for the chemistry department where during her tenure founded The Latino Student Association. Cookie was accomplished at accounting, leadership, organizing, advocating; and often used her skills in service to the community.
She was a generous/witty/dedicated individual who loved people, and who was passionate about changing injustices/educating young people and motivating everyone she touched to achieve their dreams. She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., board member for the Academy of Dover Charter School, Girls Scouts of America, CCD Instructor at D.A.F.B R.C. Parish, Latin Community and often volunteered throughout the community. She was a mother, sister, friend to everyone who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at noon, Thursday, May 20, at The Church of The Holy Cross, Dover. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, at The Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso 1175 S. State St. Dover.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. Condolences can be sent to www.ambruso.com. The family would like to thank all of her physicians, the staff at Kent General Hospital, the staff at Amedisys, and Vicdania Health Services for the quality of care they provided Cookie during her illness.
