Sandra Luz (Ayala) Zamora

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, age 73, of Tyler, Texas, passed away on October 26, 2026.

Sandra was born in Saginaw, Michigan on March 26, 1953 to Maria (Socorro) Ayala Thompson and Ventura Ayala. Her life was defined by a fierce devotion to family and community.

Growing up during tumultuous times, Sandra saw first-hand the needs of her neighbors and developed a heart for others at a young age. Often escaping in the pages of books, she kindled a life-long passion for reading, writing and learning.

As a mentor, community activist and leader, Sandra was a friend to everyone she met. Her work inspired and touched countless across Mid-Michigan, impacts that will echo for generations to come. Serving in numerous roles for the Boys & Girls Club and Tri-City SER, she was renowned for her tireless efforts supporting victims of domestic violence, combating homelessness and empowering youth to achieve their fullest potential.

Above all, her greatest joy was her family of five children, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Encouraging them to be exemplary in every endeavor, Sandra's legacy of tenacity, compassion and service to others lives on. She loved to cook for family and friends, and her Spanish rice is legendary!

While raising her children, she worked her way through Saginaw Valley State University earning a degree in English with honors. At the same time, her indomitable, some may say stubborn, spirit persevered as she provided care throughout her mother's fight with cancer.

She wrote of her Mom’s struggle, «Recuerdos hermosos que me hacen llorar, llorar por la reina de la quimioterapia». (“Beautiful memories that make me cry, cry for the queen of chemotherapy.”) As our "Queen" has succumbed to the same horrible affliction, we celebrate beautiful memories as Sandra now rests, free of pain, in the arms of her Eternal Father.

She is preceded in death by her parents Maria (Socorro) Ayala Thompson and Ventura Ayala and her brother, Elias Ayala.

She leaves behind her children Lena (Rod) Hill, Adam (Elizabeth) Zamora, Sarah (Adam) Muellerweiss, Diana Zamora, Nora (James) Wilkinson; grandchildren Tory Short, Ashlynd, Katlyn and Rhian Zamora, Landen Hill, Amaraya Wilkinson and Alexis Feldman; great grandchildren Gabriel and Theodore Short and Kayce Wade Barnes; sister Gloria Opczynski and her half-siblings Ricky Nerio, John Ayala, Bernice Colegrove, and Martha Correa.

Sandra’s kindness, warm words, encouragement, wit, sense of humor - and of course her Spanish rice - will be profoundly missed.

A visitation will be held on Saturday November 21, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Saginaw Valley United Church, 7877 Bell Road, Birch Run, Michigan 48415 followed immediately by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. After the service, the family invites you to join them for a meal and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Sandra Zamora to the Toni & Trish House by visiting www.toniandtrishhouse.org/donations or make checks payable to Toni & Trish House, Auburn, MI 48611 including a return address.

Arrangements were entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please visit www.casefuneralhome.com to share memories of Sandra or sign the online guest book.