Sunday, October 22, 2023
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Sammy is what he has always been called by everyone in the Ancira family. We knew who we were referring to when we said, "There comes Sammy." No one ever said, "Sammy who?" There was always one Sammy.
He and the Flores family grew up in Old East Austin next door to my grandparents' house on East 10th Street.
Sammy always had a smile, a chuckle, and a helping hand ready to pitch in when someone needed anything. I especially remember him helping out as a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Group at Dolores Church. Whether it was at a monthly morning breakfast, yearly Jamaica or at a rosary when a member of the community needed prayer or consolation, he was there.
Sammy prided himself as being one of the people who knew the Ancira family since forever. He referred to my mother, Frances Ancira, as "Momma." And he would beam when my mother would say, "Yes, I knew Sammy since the day he was born."
His love, faith and loyalty to friends, family and the Dolores community will surely be missed.
Whenever he saw me with my camera at an event, he always gladly took a picture with "Momma." Here's one with Sammy, his beloved wife Rosa and Frances Ancira.
So long, Sammy. You'll be in our prayers, as will the entire Flores family.
Irene Ancira-Temple (your friend Penne)
