Joan Ellen Vasquez

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Joan Ellen Vasquez passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 70.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1955 to Jack Satkowitz (later Sands) and Florence Alpert and would move to South Florida at the age of two and would live there for 55 years before moving to Dothan, Alabama to retire.

Orthodontist assistant was her profession but at various times in her life she was a den leader, occasional crafter, NFL halftime show dancer, and Hallmark field merchandiser. She had a great laugh, loved to sing along and dance to her favorite music, and was an avid reader.

She was a beloved wife, amazing mom, a favorite aunt, the best bubbe, and loyal friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband Leon (Tony) Anthony Vasquez and two sons Ryan Vasquez (Mrs. Dominique V) and Alex Vasquez (Mrs. Ava V) stepson Brian Lapham and stepdaughter Barbara Jacobs (Mr. Billy J) and granddaughters Maddy Vasquez, Alana Vasquez, and Carly Lapham and grandsons Clayton Lapham, Brandon Jacobs, and Billy Jacobs and great grandson Zeppelin Jacobs. She is also survived by her sister Peggy Veiga and nieces Julie Veiga and Debbie Cohen and nephew Eric Veiga, and her brother Orin Sands and nephews Jesse and Noah Sands and also her niece Samantha Sands.

She is preceded in death by parents Jack and Florence Sands, and her brother Scott Sands.

A service will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Ward-Wilson Memory Hill at 2414 Hartford Highway in Dothan, AL 36305.