Page created by: James Ruedinger

It is with great sadness that the family of Cricket B Sanchez – Ruedinger announced her passing on January 9, 2023, at the age of 72. For 3 years, Cricket bravely battled an extremely aggressive form of Parkinson's disease during which she demonstrated great courage, determination and faith while undergoing several surgeries and an intensive physical therapy regimen as the disease rapidly intensified leaving her unable to communicate or care for herself.
Cricket was committed to family values nurturing them with her blended family of children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. Despite the challenges the disease presented she continued her passion for travel, taking several cruise vacations. Her loyalty went far beyond family extending to her love of the Hospitality Industry. She enjoyed a lifelong career that included being a river boat cruise director and seventeen years at Olive Garden. In 2019 when the disease would not allow her to continue to work, The Disease forced her to give up the job she loved and retire from Olive Garden .
Cricket was charismatic, magnetic, and unforgettable. She loved oldies music, wine tasting, and life itself. She refused to allow the disease to define her during those painful PT sessions even though it would have been easier to give up. Unfortunately, her reputation for accomplishing the impossible was undermined in the end by Parkinson’s. The retirement she worked so hard for, and the life she dreamed of was cut far too short. Her dream of making new memories with family and meeting new people while traveling would never be realized.