In Loving Memory of Soni Linda Sanchez-Bates

This is Jennifer Bates-Fernandez & Teddy Bates, and we're starting this fundraiser in honor & memory of our beautiful mother, Soni Sanchez-Bates, lovingly known by many as Soni "Sunshine". Her sudden passing on October 16th, 2024 from cardiac arrest is something many of us who loved her dearly have yet to fully accept. We never imagined having to live on in a world without her. Though quiet & unimposing, her loving presence was always felt no matter the distance.

Our mom was a truly special soul — bubbly, shy, soft-spoken, and full of love. She had a heart that could stretch endlessly for others, did not keep a record of wrong, and knew no conditions. She was selfless, forgiving, and gave grace even when she wasn’t given much in return. She was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back without hesitation and find joy in the smallest gestures. Similar to the innocence of a child, she was most times naive to the ugliness of the world, always believing the best of and expecting good from those in it. This was because she herself didn't possess a bad bone in her body.

Our mother was beautiful inside and out — a former beauty queen in her youth who took pride in her statuesque physique and killer lashes, had a passion for dance, loved laughter, being silly and all things girly. She possessed an understated sophistication and class not easily achieved by others. Beneath her sweetness was a deep strength and fierce fervor for her children. She became a mom at the difficult age of 16 to Teddy, who was born a twin and facing a lifetime of challenges ahead of him. She devoted her life to caring for him, and did the best she could for our family and others she loved. She always put everyone’s needs before her own, often to her own detriment. Over the years, life’s hardships and health struggles took their toll on her, and she carried silent pain. Our mom never complained, never sought attention for and refused to "burden" anyone with her struggles. There were so many things she never got to experience or see turn around, but she took pride in the accomplishments and lives of us, her children, and our happiness. She dreamed of a better chapter someday that unfortunately she never had and never will have the chance to experience. All we can do know is continue living our own stories in all the ways she'd want us to.

Why We're Raising Funds:

We're planning a memorial celebration for her in June 2026, which will be a day to honor her life, her light, and her legacy. We want it to be something beautiful — just like she was — where family and friends can come together to remember her and the love she gave so freely. As simple, humble and modest as she was, she'd enjoy us just gathering together over a good cup of coffee and conversation, but she deserves the absolute best we can do; something as exquisite, glamorous and refined as she was.

Additionally I, Jennifer, would love to provide my aunt Maggie & brother Teddy with some financial respite. They've remained in the NYC apartment thus far, the one where I spent most my life and now have the last physical connection to my mom, with one less person/one less income. Only a miracle has made it possible for them to sustain food on the table & a roof over their heads. Teddy lost all benefits immediately following our mom's passing, as she was his assigned payee. It's been a nightmare trying to rectify this situation over the last 13 months. Titi Maggie has also exhausted any savings she owned, stepping into my mother's shoes to care for Teddy, with an open heart and not expecting anything in return. It would be such a blessing to be able to bless them, no matter the amount.

Funds raised will go toward:

A venue or space for us to hold a memorial as unique as our mom

A final resting place for her ashes and a headstone worthy of her memory

Small keepsakes for those who attend, so everyone can take a piece of her “sunshine” with them

Some relief for my brother Teddy and aunt Maggie until they can get some semblance of bearings

Our goal is $20,000, which will help us give her the farewell she deserves and bring a little peace to the family she cared for so deeply. No amount of money will ever make her passing easier to accept, but it may offer temporary comfort. Any donation, no matter the size, means the world. If you’re unable to give, even sharing this page helps more than you know.

If you knew our mom, you knew unconditional love and generosity. You knew gentleness, faith and forgiveness. You knew someone who could see the good in absolutely anyone without notice of flaws. From the bottom of my heart — thank you for helping us honor our mom, Soni Sunshine, and for keeping her light alive.