Irma Sanchez (Irma Palma de Sanchez) passed away on August 4, surrounded by her loving family, after a hard battle with cancer. She dedicated her life to her family, the pursuit of knowledge, culture, and making connections. She was a beloved wife, mother, teacher, scholar, and mentor whose legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of her loved ones.

Born in Colombia, she grew up in Venezuela and later immigrated to the United States, ultimately establishing a home in Roseland, New Jersey. Irma first built a career as an Information Science Engineer before courageously changing paths to pursue her true passion: literature. She earned her Ph.D. in Spanish Literature from Rutgers University, where she also taught for many years. Her research focused on Latin American economic narratives and literary journalism, and her dissertation offered a bold interdisciplinary exploration of Venezuela's evolving identity from 1980 to 2013.

Irma held teaching positions at Rutgers University, Kean University and Montclair State University, where she developed and taught a wide range of courses in Spanish language, literature, and Hispanic culture. Irma believed that learning a language was more than acquiring grammar—it was an invitation to experience the world through another's eyes. That conviction guided her teaching, and it transformed the lives of many. Irma created spaces where students felt seen, challenged, and inspired. Her approach blended traditional texts with multimedia, history with present-day realities, and always centered the value of empathy and active engagement.

Irma was known not only for her intellectual depth, but for her humility, generosity, and grace. Along with her passion for literature and teaching, she also loved photography, art, travelling, and cooking. Those who knew her will always remember her constant smile and laughter as she was always enjoying life.

Surviving Irma are her devoted husband, Benito Sanchez, her two sons, Daniel and David, her father, Julio Palma, her brothers, Freddy and Julio, and many more relatives, friends, students, and collaborators who will remember her with enduring love and gratitude.

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