Claribel Sánchez

It is with deep sadness that we announce the transition of Claribel Sánchez, who passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at the age of 80.

Claribel lived a life defined by faith, resilience, generosity, and an unwavering love for her family. She was born on December 1, 1945, in San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic, to Martin and Agustina Sánchez. She was the twelfth child in a family of fifteen children. Although two of her siblings passed away as infants, she grew up surrounded by twelve brothers and sisters in a close and loving family. From an early age, Claribel shared a special bond with her mother, who was the center of her life and her greatest source of love and strength.

Claribel was a gifted and determined student. She skipped two grades and graduated from high school at just sixteen years old. She went on to become a teacher in the Dominican Republic, where she shared her love of learning with others. Those who knew her as a young woman also knew her playful spirit, her sense of humor, and her love of dancing and playing softball.

During a difficult and uncertain time in her country's history, Claribel experienced profound loss, including the loss of her beloved mother and her first love. With courage and hope, she made the decision to begin a new chapter and immigrated to the United States in 1970 to join her older brother, José, in New York.

Like many immigrants, Claribel had to rebuild her life from the beginning. She learned a new language, adapted to a new culture, and worked tirelessly to create a future for herself and her family. She worked in a clothing factory while building a new life surrounded by relatives, friends, and members of the Dominican community who became like family away from home.

While living in New York City, Claribel embraced life. She made lifelong friendships, enjoyed dancing, and loved spending time with others. During this time, she met the father of her daughter. After her daughter was born, Claribel dedicated herself to providing her with every opportunity possible. As a single mother, she returned to school to earn the certifications and degrees that opened the door to better-paying, union positions. She worked as a secretary at a business school before building a successful career with the City of New York, where she retired as a Supervisor in the Division of Liens and Recovery.

Family was always at the center of Claribel's life. She cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She kept her family close, spent weekends together, enjoyed playing bingo, and created countless memories with the children in her family, becoming a central figure in family traditions and celebrations.

After retirement, Claribel moved to Albany to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters. She became an active and beloved member of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Americas. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She began by helping with the church's financial records for offerings, participated in prayer groups, and later became deeply involved in the Residents Encounter Christ ministry, where she served as a Spanish-language translator for incarcerated Latino men, helping them fully participate in the ministry. This service became one of the greatest blessings and most meaningful callings of her life.

Claribel was loved not only by her family but by the many people whose lives she touched. Many in her church community affectionately called her "Tía" because she had become family to so many. She was known for her kindness, strength, generosity, and compassionate heart.

Claribel is survived by her daughter, Zuleika Sánchez-Gayle; her son-in-law, Andrew Gayle; her beloved granddaughters, Isabella and Naomi Gayle; her sisters, Miledy and Bartola; her brother, Luis; and her many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, including her cherished lifelong friend, Celia Mata. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, David, Ydalia, Julio, Hernan, José, Celeste, Cristian, Adolfo, and Rafael.

Claribel's life was a testament to resilience, faith, and unconditional love. From her beginnings in the Dominican Republic to the life she built in New York and Albany, she faced every challenge with courage and every blessing with gratitude. Her greatest joy was caring for her family and serving others. Though she will be profoundly missed, her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the faith she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Cannon Funeral Home (2020 Central Ave, Colonie). A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Americas (273 Central Avenue, Albany). Interment will be Saturday morning at 9:00 am at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery (1389 Central Ave, Albany).

Memorial contributions may be made to Residents Encounter Christ, P.O. Box 1448, Clifton Park, NY 12065, a ministry that brought Claribel great purpose and joy.