Cover photo for Sandra "Sandy" Sue Cortez's Obituary
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1962 Sandra "Sandy" 2022

Sandra "Sandy" Sue Cortez

November 15, 1962 — June 29, 2022

Sandra “Sandy” Sue Cortez was received into the arms of Jesus Christ, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 59, on June 29, 2022 with her family by her side.

Sandra is survived by her beloved husband of 31 ½ years, Hector Cortez of Corrales, NM; sons, Diego Cortez, Marcos Cortez, and Ivan Cortez (Ancelma) of Corrales, NM; father, Felix Atencio Jr. of Cuba, NM; mother, Mildred V. Atencio of Cuba, NM; brother, Fred Atencio and wife, Regina Atencio of Albuquerque, NM; niece, Dr. Adrienne Atencio of Sacramento, CA; nephew, Eric Atencio of Denver, CO; father-in-law, Manuel Bazan of Anthony, NM; mother-in-law, Josie Bazan of Anthony, NM; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lorenzo Cortez (Lisa Cortez) of San Antonio, TX; sister-in-law, Roberta Pereira (Leo) of Waldorf, MD; brother-in-law, Michael Cortez (Martha) of Arlington, TX; sister-in-law, Amanda Chingaloni (Christian) of La Plata, MD; sister-in-law, Julie Salcido (Joseph) of Las Cruces, NM; grandchildren, Ivan Cortez Jr. She is preceded in death by her grandfathers, Fred Valdez and Felix Atencio; grandmothers, Isabel Baca and Trinidad Montano; and her father-in-law, Lorenzo S. Cortez.

Sandra was born on November 15, 1962, in Lynwood, CA to Felix J. Atencio Jr. and Mildred V. Valdez. She graduated from Cuba High School in 1980. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of New Mexico in 1987. She married Hector Cortez on October 06, 1990, in Albuquerque, NM. Sandra raised two beautiful sons, Marcos and Diego. She loved watching her son, Marcos play soccer. She liked keeping track of her sons and ensuring they stay focused on their education. Her sons remember her as a generous, kind, and loving mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals and believe in Jesus Christ.

Sandra worked as a VP of Corporate Finance with ClearSky Health.

Sandy’s work ethic, professionalism and intelligence were to be admired. Her compassion and love for her family was deeply rooted by her strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her favorite saying was “Choose Joy.” Her love and compassion will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

 

A memorial contribution can be sent to the UNM Children’s Hospital.

 

“So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love and those who abide in love, abide in God and God abides in them.” – John 4:16


A rosary will be recited at 9:30 am followed by a mass at 10:00 am on Friday, August 5, 2022, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 5712 Paradise Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114. A reception will take place at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church following the mass.

 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sandra "Sandy" Sue Cortez, please visit our flower store.

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