In Loving Remembrance and Celebration of Lourdes Yanez

September 27, 1951 – November 29, 2025

Lourdes "Lee" Guillermina Sarate Yanez, 74, passed away peacefully at her home in Houston, Texas, on November 29, 2025. She was an amazing mother, an incredible Grammy, a loving sister, and a caring friend. She faced her journey with cancer with remarkable courage and peace.

Lourdes was born on September 27, 1951, in Mathis, Texas, to Prudencia Estraca Sarate and Jose Marmolejo Sarate. She was the second of seven children and the oldest daughter. Shortly after graduating high school, she relocated to a residence for young women run by nuns in San Antonio, Texas. After establishing herself there, she moved out and planted her roots in San Antonio for the next 35 years. During that time, she raised her only child, Misty Dawn, with unconditional love and devotion. In 2011, she retired and moved to Houston, Texas, to live with her daughter and son-in-law. It was then that she embarked on the happiest time of her life helping raise her beloved grandchildren, Gia and Rocco. For the next 14 years and 10 months, she dedicated her time, energy, love, and countless laughs to her family.

Lee loved gardening, photography, craft shows, festivals, going to the beach, and botanical gardens. She enjoyed a good piece of cake, fresh cooked fish, and never turned down a sweet tea from Bill Miller BBQ. In her later years, she loved sitting outside watching the birds with a cup of coffee, enjoying the breeze while the dogs sunbathed, and tending to her cherished night-blooming epiphyllums. Most of all, she loved just being with her family.

Lourdes was preceded in death by her mother, Prudencia Estraca Sarate; her father, Jose Marmolejo Sarate; and her sister, Sylvia (Sarate) Travis.

She will continue to be cherished by those who survive her: her loving daughter, Misty Dawn Yanez DiSantis and husband Joseph; her cherished grandchildren, Gia and Rocco DiSantis; her ex-husband, Rene Yanez and wife Salinda; and her loved siblings, Lupe Sarate, Gilbert Sarate, Jose (Jody) Sarate, Anna Perez, and Patricia Adriano and husband Alfonso.

Lourdes, Lee, Mom, Grammy, you are an unforgettable inspiration of courage and strength. We were not ready, but we wholeheartedly embrace the enduring gifts of love, kindness, and selflessness you left behind which will burn brightly within us forever. Please watch over us until we see you again.