Mary B. Sanchez Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

1930-2020 Mary B. Sanchez, cherished wife, mother, aunt, teacher and friend, was welcomed into Heaven on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the age of 90. She was born in Veguita, New Mexico to Evaristo and Luisa (Vallez) Baca on February 7, 1930. Mary was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Felix, and son, Shawn Sanchez; her siblings, Boleslo Baca, Cristobal (Tita) Baca, Domingo (Carmen) Baca, Berardo (Ramona) Baca, Amalia Baca and Anuncia Chavez. Mary is survived by her adoring children, Charles Sanchez, Mark Sanchez (Keith Manes), Renee Baca (Robert), Valerie Otero (Marty), Michelle Riney (Keith) and her devoted niece, Lilly Baca. She was loved by her grandchildren, Christy Sanchez (Adrian), Justine Driskell (Daniel), Enrique Baca, Leah Baca, Isaiah Otero, Zachary Otero, Paige Riney, Kristen Riney, and her great grandchildren Aiden Muller, Jamie Driskell, Aida Driskell and Grace Otero. Mary also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she always encouraged and Felix’s siblings Mary (Harold) Hutchings, Annie (Pressie) Garcia, Lorraine (Michael) Shiplet and Daniel (Lydia) Sanchez. Mary was a tenacious woman. She did not let her humble beginnings on a small farm in Veguita deter her from her goals and dreams. On the contrary, she made use of the hard work and problem solving skills she learned on that small farm to guide her ambitions. Once she set her mind on a goal or task, she worked diligently to achieve it. Mary graduated from New Mexico State University (NMSU) with a degree in Elementary Education and the University of New Mexico with a degree in Educational Administration. She taught school in Socorro County, southern New Mexico and for the Belen Consolidated Schools. Mary became an elementary school principal after seven years of teaching. In 1977, she was appointed the Superintendent of the Belen Consolidated Schools; one of the first Hispanic female Superintendents in the nation. She also served 4 years as superintendent of the Reserve Schools. Mary was a founding partner of Effective Leadership Services, a consulting firm that supported and prepared women throughout the country in becoming school superintendents. In 1978, Mary was awarded the NMSU Distinguished Alumna for the College of Education, a tribute she was very proud of. In 1985, she was appointed regent of NMSU. Both she and her husband, Felix, were so honored to serve the university they loved so much. They both were staunch Aggie fans. Mary was one of the organizing members of the Bank of Belen, what is now known as United Business Bank. She worked very hard in establishing the bank charter and encouraged others to invest in this thriving institution. Mary served on many state and national organizations on behalf of her community and her profession however; her family was her greatest love. She loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally. Her children knew they were loved. Mary was generous, witty and forgiving. She had the ability to create curiosity in everyday tasks like gardening or cleaning. Mary never made her children do anything; rather she made it look exciting or interesting so that they wanted to join in on the fun (work). She encouraged her children to do and be their best without judgment or criticism. Her children will miss her immensely as well as her many friends, relatives and those who considered Mary their role model. Pallbearers will be Christy Sanchez, Isaiah Otero, Enrique Baca, Leah Baca, Paul R. Baca and Phillip Baca. A Public Viewing will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Romero Funeral Home Chapel. A Final Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass celebrating her life at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. The Sanchez family would like thank our cousin, Lilly Baca, for being a faithful companion and caregiver to our mother Mary and brother Shawn. We also extend our heartfelt thank you to Mary’s Hospice providers; Carolyn, Beth, Monique and Sally and a sincere thank you to Romero Funeral Home and Our Lady of Belen Church for their kindness and compassion during our time of need. Please sign Mary’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM

Mary B. Sanchez

February 7, 1930 - February 20, 2020