Evelyn M Sanchez's Obituary
Mom was born and raised in Chamisal, New Mexico along the high road to Toas, to Samuel and Ercilia Lopez. Her and her siblings enjoyed the security of being raised among family and friends, she meet her forever sweetheart in 1955 and married Meliton Sanchez on April 7th,1956. Together they brought five boys into their growing family, raising us in the traditions of our heritage. Calvin our short lived oldest came in 1959 and left in early 1960, a tragedy that not only tore into the foundation of our family but also brought clarity and purpose to mom and dad. Gerald (1960), Daniel (1962), John (1969) and Gabriel (1972 -2021) all boys, something any mother would need the patience and love of a saint to raise. Her maternal instinct ran deep and mom and dad adopted Shanda, Gabe’s daughter in 1991. She had her hands full just with the family, and she still had more to give!
Mom was an extraordinary expression of love. She shined especially when she was being of service to others. From her church callings of organizing and bringing into production the “Mananitas” selling religious articles and the “Cursillo”, her devotion to her faith was strong. She was somebody that made a difference in the lives of those who knew her. And she was always open to learning about other expression of faith and love, staying humble in her inner convictions. Her vocation was to be of service to others, which is were her professional career brought her to Jordan School District. She climbed the ladder of success culminating a thirty plus year profession as an ESL teacher. Mom retired in 1998 and her sense of adventure took my parents around the world.
From climbing the Great Wall of China to hiking to Machu Picchu, to Israel, Egypt, the Baltic Sea, St Petersburgh, Poland, Vietnam, Singapore, Mexico and all over the United States, mom and dad loved to interact with the common people. They had the time of their lives. She was just as comfortable camping, picnicking and frequent trips home to New Mexico. Mom never really measured success this way, rather it was measured in how well she lived, how compassionate and helpful to others she was being. And that is what made my mom so extraordinary. She focused on relationships, because she knew that is what it means to be fully alive.
Unfortunately, mom had many health issues that limited her. She suffered from chronic back pain. She underwent invasive surgery seeking pain relief only to end up with a deadly MRSA infection that caused her remaining years to be home bound and pretty much paralyzed. All of us helped her along this last stage of her life, bringing dignity and compassion. Perhaps, at least for me, the last 5 years have been her teaching me the lessons of living life well. She had an amazing life, we all have been blessed being a part of it. She entered into the greatest adventure of all surrounded by love, we will miss you mom!
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