Mary Sue Sanchez

Mary Sue Sanchez life-long resident of Valencia County, 87 passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2014. Mary Sue was born to Ignacio and Stella Gallegos from Jarales, she was second oldest of eleven children. Mary Sue was a proud and dedicated member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters. She retired in 1983, from the District Court Office in Valencia County after her husband Abelino asked her one morning, "Why are you still working?" Afterwards, they spent their retirement years enjoying life and family together, until his death in August 1992. For the last twenty-two years Mary Sue enjoyed knowing her many grandchildren, the Christmas mornings spent in her living room, much laughter and conversation with friends, trips to the casino as well as numerous travels to see relatives and friends in New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Illinois, Nebraska and California. She most cherished her trip to Rome for her brother’s ordination by the Pope and her trip to Hawaii with her sister-in-law and daughter. Mary Sue was a daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, God mother, co-worker and friend. During community gatherings in Belen, these roles in her life brought her the most joy. She loved talking to people. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Abelino (and his twin sister) Severa Ulibarri, her beloved son Paul Lester, a great granddaughter Kaitlyn as well as her brothers: Moses, Manuel, Nestor, Fr. Albert, Alfred Gallegos her three sisters: Carmen, Diana, Bernadette and in-laws: Bob Flick, and Aurelia Gallegos. She is survived by her daughters: Sandra (Jim) Sanchez, Phyllis (Rick) Hayes, Mary (Gail Ranshaw) Sanchez, her brothers: Ignacio (Alicia) Gallegos, Fr. David Gallegos; sister-in-laws: Theresa Gallegos, Virgie Gallegos and Frances Gallegos, her grandchildren Wayne (Cecilia) Sanchez, Tammy (Rick) Engler, Francesca (Steve) Waghorn, David (Karen) Sanchez, Bernadette (John) Pulsipher, Maria Sanchez–grandma’s angel, Brandi (Terrell) Trantham as well as great-grandchildren: Heather, Abel, Reuben, Brandon, Sydney, Desirae, Desmond, Megan, Emily, Zachary, Aidia, and great-great granddaughter Adriana. She is also survived by many nephews, nieces and close friends. Mary Sue was most happy when her house was filled with family, friends, stories and laughter. For many years, her beans and chili gathered the family (and many welcomed guests) together in her home weekly. No one ever left her house without a soda and a smile. Her soothing singing voice sang many a lullaby or nursery rhyme. She had an amazing ability to comfort those dealing with the hardships of life. Her traditions as well as her generosity, will carry on through her children and grandchildren. Thanks to the special people who helped care for her in her home: Kristi Jaramillo, Annette Martinez, and Margaret Molina, also her friend Joanna Salsberry, who enriched her life with kindness, jokes, laughter and love. We are grateful for the gentle care and professionalism the staff at the Anna Kaseman Hospice facility provided. Our family and friends “thank” you. A Viewing will be held at Romero Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, September 17th at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Final Viewing will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Thursday, September 18th at 9:00 a.m. with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, she asked that donations be made to St. Mary's School a Catholic Grade School in Belen she highly valued. Sign Mary Sue’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main Street, Belen, NM

Mary Sue Sanchez

May 30, 1927 - September 14, 2014