It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend MARIA MAGDALENA SANCHEZ, age 76, of Anthony Thursday, July 18, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 12, 1936 in El Paso, Texas to Panfilo and Josefa Lopez Dueñez Sr.
Maria was a lady of many talents she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, making quilts and cooking for her family and friends. She was a school bus driver for the Gadsden Independent School District retiring on March 1, 2001. Maria was a member of the Anthony VFW Post # 4384 Ladies Auxiliary and the Roman Catholic Church.
Those left to mourn her passing include three sons, Luis Sanchez, Jr. and wife Teresa, Hector Sanchez and wife Eleanor, and Mike Sanchez and wife Irma; her brother, Panfilo Dueñez all of Anthony; her sister, Helen Vasquez of El Paso, Texas. Other survivors include ten grandchildren, Kiki, Pee Wee, Pumpkin, Mickey and wife Jessica, Gilbert Jr., Melonie, Gerald, Ernie, Josh and Joseph; four great-grandchildren, Servando, Joelouis, Anthony and Nathan as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Maria was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gilbert T. Sanchez in 2010 and a sister, Moso Dueñez.
At Maria's request cremation has taken place and Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM Friday, July 26, 2013 in St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 224 Lincoln Street in Anthony where the Holy Mass of Resurrection will follow immediately thereafter with Reverend Joseph Molina officiating. The Rite of Committal and Inurnment of Cremains will follow in the Anthony Cemetery.
Maria will be missed deeply by her family and friends and especially by her two fury friends, Penny and China whom she loved very much.