Margaret V. Sanchez

Margaret Victoria Sanchez, age 89, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and faithful friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her home in Guachupangue, NM (Espanola) on Monday morning February 5, 2024.  Margaret was born August 23, 1934 in Dixon, NM to Mariano and Refugio Romero.

Margaret’s spirit of compassion, charity, and service to others was a hallmark of her life. She embraced all that life offered and helped to impart hope and love to all those she encountered. Together with her husband Tony, they traveled and lived in various communities throughout New Mexico during their early careers, and eventually settled in Espanola, NM. Margaret retired after two decades of public service from New Mexico State University where she worked as a Cooperative Extension Service Agent serving Santa Fe and Rio Arriba Counties. She was a small business owner and entrepreneur, and worked tirelessly in community service and philanthropy endeavors, including 4-H service for youth development, and 25 years of volunteer service as an officer of the Jemez House Board to enable the endowment of numerous scholarships for youth of Northern New Mexico communities.

Margaret was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, member of The Holy Family Association and other Catholic Confraternities (Cofradias).  In years past, Margaret was actively involved with her husband Tony working as Church Mayordomos, various liturgical ministries, community outreach, and restoration of local Mission Church projects. She was always a source of great encouragement to those around her. Margaret will be deeply missed by her family and all those who knew her, but also look forward to meeting her again in the gates of Heaven.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Mariano and Refugio Romero-Montoya; her beloved husband Tony T.; sons Walter Sanchez and Leon Sanchez; grandson Jacob Sanchez; brothers Mariano Jr. (Romelia) Romero, Herman Romero, and Raymond Montoya; sisters Macedonia Blea, and Gloria Martinez; and in-laws Raymond T. Martinez, Pablo Garcia, Johnny Chavez, George (Trinidad) Sanchez, John J. (Viola) Sanchez, and Minnie (Lee) Barela.

Margaret is survived by her beloved family, sons Marvin (Socorro) Sanchez of Rio Chama, NM; Leonard (Lupita) of Chimayo, NM; Deacon Dan (Julie Anne) Sanchez of Albuquerque, NM; and, daughter-in-law Janet Sanchez of Rio Rancho, NM; grandchildren Marcos, Victoria, Jonathan (Lupe) , and Kendrick Sanchez; great-grandchildren Marcos Jr., Neveah, Jasiah Sanchez, Davina, and Mariah Valdez; dear sisters Orfa Garcia, Arlene Chavez, and Juanita Montoya; dear in-laws Rosalind and Clyde Martinez of La Villita, NM; several other beloved compadres, cousins, nephews, nieces, and various other relatives and friends.

Serving the family as pallbearers include: Kendrick Sanchez, Manny Chavez, Michael Montoya, Andrew Martinez, Marcos Sanchez, Jonathon Sanchez, Aaron Martinez, and Jerry Martinez.  Honorary pallbearers include: Victoria Sanchez, Jasiah Sanchez, Christine Vasquez, Diane Ortiz, Reanna Martinez, Kayla Martinez, Mariah Valdez, Marcos Sanchez Jr., and Neveah Sanchez, and all her nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Espanola Tuesday, February 20: 11:30am Rosary, followed by Funeral Mass at 12:00.  Reception to follow at Parish Hall   Wednesday, February 21: Burial and Rite of Committal @ 2:30 National Cemetary in Santa Fe.