Nora A. Sanchez

SANCHEZ, NORA A. Nora A. Sanchez, age 92, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque passed away on Monday, July 22, 2013. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Refugio “Ray” Sanchez Jr. In 1983; her loving son, Ray Robert Sanchez in 2003; parents, Epifano and Elena Armijo; in-laws, Refugio Sr. and Agatha Sanchez; siblings, Fernando Armijo and wife, Cecilia, Rumaldo Armijo, Richard Armijo, Frances Silva and Nancy Maron; brothers-in-law, Daniel Sanchez and Samuel Sanchez; nieces, Jeanette Welch and Louise Durand; nephews, Chris Armijo and Gabriel Armijo and many extended family members and friends. Nora is survived by her daughters, Linda Valdez and husband, Geno, Rita Cordova and husband, Joe from San Diego, and Judy Sanchez-Torres; grandchildren, Christine Martinez, Elaine Martinez, Albert Martinez Jr. and wife, Jessica, Matthew Martinez and wife, Jessica, Adrian Cordova and wife, Sasha from San Diego, and Patrick Ray Torres; great-grandchildren, Alysia Martinez, Nicole Pinge, Albert “Berto” Martinez III, Angelique Martinez, Gabrielle Martinez and Makala Martinez; sisters, Viola Durand and Esther Chavez and husband, Roy of Tucson; sisters-in-law, Victoria Armijo, Mary Armijo and Janice Sanchez of San Diego; brother-in-law, Jose “Joe” Silva and many nieces, nephews, God children, extended family members and friends . Nora spent her entire life being an inspiration, example and mentor to her family. Nephews and nieces would seek advice from her and would lean on her big shoulders in times of need. Originally born in the community of Los Griegos, the Armijo family moved to south Broadway one block from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church where the family worshipped. She went to Albuquerque High School after which she worked Downtown in finance and JC Penny. She and her sister, Frances loved to dance and loved to attend the Old Town dances with their mother as chaperone. In 1948 Nora and Ray married and bought their first home on Mountain Road where their first two children were born. They then moved to a new house on Manzano Street which to this day is still the family home. She was a wonderful cook and passed her talent on to her daughters. Christmas was special and full of New Mexico flavors of posole, chile colorado, chile con queso, biscochitos, empanadas, and old school chile rellanos, friends and family on Christmas Eve. As a devoted wife she loved and took care of Ray for 20 years who was ill with Parkinson Disease. She was with him faithfully till the day he died. She lost her only son on 2003 at the age of 47 and lost the twinkle in her eyes and suffered from a broken heart until her passing. She was a devout Catholic and was active in Our Lady of Fatima’s Woman’s Guild, even serving as President for one year. Her entire life was devoted to serving the Lord and being there for her children and grandchildren. We would like to extend our deep gratitude to St. Catherine’s Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and The Hospice of the Sandias for their respect and kindness they showed Nora and her family. You have made this time easier for us. Rosary will be recited Sunday, July 28, 2013, 6:00p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, July 29, 2013, 10:00a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE. Interment will follow at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, at 2:00p.m. Pallbearers will be Patrick Torres, Adrian Cordova, Albert Martinez Jr., Matthew Martinez, Jose Martinez III, Paul Maron, Jerry Garcia and Rick Armijo. Honorary Pallbearers will be Phillip Armijo, Manuel Silva, Ken Santillanes, Eric Armijo, Dick Durand, Roy Chavez, and Albert Martinez Sr. The family would like to thank you for your prayers and thoughts during this time. Mom thank you for always being there and teaching us your values. We will miss you terribly and love you till we reunite with you, Dad and Ray Robert in the home of our Heavenly Father. Until then here are Big Hugs and kisses. We love you. Please visit our online guest book for Nora at www.FrenchFunerals.com. FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500

Nora A. Sanchez

November 2, 1920 - July 22, 2013