Sandra Vaughan Ochoa Marek

Sandra Vaughan Ochoa Marek went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 4. She was born November 17, 1941 in Gilmer, Texas to parents, Wilburn Allen Vaughan and Nina Pope Vaughan. Sandy married Alan J. Marek on May 4, 1991.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Gonzales and served as usher, helped with bereavement lunches, participated in the morning women’s group and faithfully participated in the prayer group and attended the Synodical Women’s Conference the past two years.

Sandy spent 45 years in education in Arizona. She dedicated her life helping others in educational work. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in 1986, a Masters of Arts in Education in 1990 and a Masters in English in 2000. She received an award in 2006 from the university in grateful appreciation for 30 years of excellent service in education. Upon arriving in Gonzales, Sandy ventured into Texas Education at the Gonzales Campus of Victoria College.

She is survived by her husband, Alan J. Marek, son, Mark R. Ochoa, two granddaughters, Jourdan Ochoa and Devon Ochoa of Arizona, step-daughter, Tammy (Ralph) Van Cleave, step-grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Josh) Corby, Kurt Van Cleave, Karissa Van Cleave, one step-great grandchild, Kinsley Rose Corby all of San Antonio. Sandy is survived by sisters, Judy Gibbons and Brenda (Larry) Martin, one brother, Michael Vaughan, sister-in-law, Colleen Marek, niece, Carol (Kevin) Oakes, great nephews, Cody Oakes and Brady Oakes of Gonzales, nephew, Clay (Lori) Marek of China and great niece, Katy Marek of North Carolina, brother-in-law, Walter Marek of Gonzales. She is survived by many other nieces and nephews.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Richard Allen Vaughan and a step-son, Joey Marek.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, in the First Lutheran Church in Gonzales with Pastor Ildiko Rigney officiating. Interment followed in Gonzales Memorial Park. Pallbearers: Josh Corby, Ralph Van Cleave, Kurt Van Cleave, Kevin Oakes and Cody Oakes. Honorary Pallbearers: Harold Grauke, the staff of Victoria College and the First Lutheran Church Afternoon Prayer Group. Memorials may be made to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1206 N. St. Joseph, Gonzales, Texas 78629 or the Gonzales County Relay for Life, c/o Patty Stewart, P.O. Box 587, Gonzales, Texas 78629. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.