Rachel Sanchez

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, we announce the passing of our kind, brave, loving, caring and generous mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie, and friend, Rachel Sanchez. Rachel lived a full and complete life. Upon passing at the age of 101 she had experienced the love of God and family. The youngest child of Nemecio and Maclovia Lucero, she was born on August 11, 1921, and went to her eternal home on May 13, 2023. She spent her childhood in Chamisal, New Mexico. She married Luis G. Sanchez in 1942. Together they raised seven beautiful children in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Rachel is now reunited with those who have passed before her; loving husband Luis; sons; LeRoy Sanchez and Luis H. Sanchez; grandson, Daniel Sanchez; her parents; Maclovia and Nemecio Lucero, sister, Seferina Ortiz, and brother Bernabe Lucero; George Duran, special caregiver and family by affection.

Rachel is survived by her children, Anthony Sanchez (Ann), John Sanchez, Josie Mohr (Michael), Cathy Blanford (Dennis), and Therese Baca, nine adoring grandchildren, Anthony Baca, Joshua Baca (Teresa), Michael Sanchez, Jacque Meadows, Billy Meadows, Travis Sanchez, Sarah Sanchez, Andrea Montoya (Brian), Andreas Herrera; great grandchildren, Clarissa Baca (Trevor) and Daniel Ortiz.

She leaves behind daughter in-law Sylvia Sanchez; goddaughters, Virginia Sisneros, and Jeanette Sanchez; special niece Theresa Sandlin, as well as numerous, cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and life-long friends.

Mom had unconditional love of family, and family is what she treasured the most. She taught us how to navigate life, to be strong, passionate, and relentless. She was a woman before her times, she always said women were not only emotionally stronger than men but also smarter and could do anything in life they wanted to!  

Mom was a fun-spirited soul with many passions. She had incredible artistic talent; our homes are full of her drawings and painting and her beautiful quilts keep us warm at night. The unique jewelry she created reflects her love of nature and her passion for life. Forever memorialized in photos are the beautiful dresses she sewed for her daughters. The aroma of baking bread and tortillas always filled our childhood home. The cuisine was beans, chili, and fried potatoes, prepared with love, and her food riveled any five-star restaurant.

Our mother was an elegant woman. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. She made an impact on so many lives. Today we embrace what a gift she was to us and to the people whose lives she touched. Today we remember those special moments and memories. Mom, we will cherish, love, and miss you forever. We have a momma angel waiting for us in Heaven.

A public visitation will take place in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 10:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Church in Espanola, burial is scheduled for 2:00 pm at Rosario Cemetery in Santa Fe.

Serving the family as pallbearers are Anthony Sanchez, Dennis Blanford, Josh Baca, and Anthony Baca.

Special thanks and gratitude to Josh Baca for the wonderful loving care he provided for his grandma.

The family would like to thank Amber Care staff for their support and guidance.

The Family of Rachel Sanchez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley. (505) 747-7477, devargasfh.com.