Rosa Sanchez

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Rosa M. Sanchez, 98, our loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend to all who’s lived she touched. Rosa was a life-long resident of Alcalde and made her journey to her heavenly home on Friday, December 24, 2021. She was born on June 7, 1923, in Cebolla, New Mexico, to Alfredo and Genoveva Montoya. She was the last of the siblings.

Preceding Rosa in death are her husband Zacarias Sanchez, parents Alfredo and Genoveva Montoya; in-law Zebdeo and Rosa Sanchez; sons Juan and Leopoldo Sanchez; daughters-in-law Fela and Deborah Sanchez; grandsons Asael, Zacarias, and Eric Sanchez and Conrado Salsbury; 3 sisters; 7 brothers; and 8 sisters-in-law, and 3 brothers-in-law.

Surviving Rosa are her children Fela Salsbury (Jim), Tomas (Liz), Ricardo, Nelson, Bernardino (Grace), Melissa Martinez (Jimmy), and daughter-in-law Carmelita Sanchez; 14 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, godchildren, family, and friends.

Upon her husbands passing, Rosa cared and nurtured six of her eight children who were still at home. She was feisty, amazing and a strong individual with a sense of humor.

She was a lifetime member of the San Juan Bautista Catholic Church. Attending Mass was a priority. She was a devout Catholic who attended mass every Sunday until she was unable to attend due to her health. She received communion at home up until Covid started. She continued to pray her rosary daily.

Rosa’s hobbies were growing vegetables and a flower garden, canning fruits and vegetables, crocheting, knitting, and playing Bingo. She enjoyed the comradery she shared with her friends at her senior center.

Whenever Rosa encountered someone new, she would easily befriend them. She was a very loveable and enjoyed visiting family and friends. When it became too hard for her to go out of her home, she looked forward to receiving company. When you went to visit her, she would always say thank you for the visit, and do not forget about me.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Bea Jimenez, Rosa’s caregiver, and friend, for coming into the home to tenderly care for Rosa during her last five years.

Our matriarch’s legacy will live on through our family.

Serving the family as pallbearers are her grandchildren Joey, Rick, and Isaac Sanchez, James Salbury, Zacarias, and Chris Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers are her granddaughters Monica, Stephanie, Tess Sanchez, Vida Mia Golemeski, Lea, and Marialisa Sanchez, Jacquelyn Mondragon, and Audrianna Martinez, all her great and great-great grandchildren.

Services for Rosa are Monday, January 10, 2022, visitation at DeVargas Funeral Home at 9:00am; rosary at San Juan Bautista Church in Ohkay Owingeh at 10:00am; mass following at 11:00am. Burial to follow at the Alcalde Cemetery.

The family of Rosa Sanchez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com