Dora Gomez Sandoval

On April 8th, with her loving family by her side, Dora was gently called home by her Lord and Savior and entered into eternal life.

Dora was born 97 years ago, the firstborn child of Daniel and Juanita Gomez. She was the eldest of seven children, a role she embraced early in life with responsibility, strength, and love.

After graduating from Capitan High School, Dora worked while also helping care for her younger siblings. She began her professional career at Fort Stanton Hospital. It was during this time that her brothers introduced her to Floyd Sandoval, the man who would become the love of her life. When Floyd joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego, he returned home just before Christmas. Dora and Floyd were married the day after Christmas, before he returned to San Diego with his new bride and shortly thereafter departed for a year at sea.

Drawing on her experience at Fort Stanton, Dora quickly secured a position working on base in San Diego while Floyd was deployed. Alone in a new city and far from home, she was deeply grateful for the kindness of the families who welcomed her into their homes and became an extended family during that time.

When Floyd completed his military service, and as they prepared to welcome their first child, Dora and Floyd moved to Stockton, California, to live with Floyd’s father and brother. When it became clear that Stockton was not home, and after the birth of their son, they returned to New Mexico to raise their family close to Dora’s parents and siblings.

Back in Albuquerque, Dora began a long and distinguished career at Kirtland Air Force Base in Civilian Personnel. She also pursued higher education at the University of New Mexico, earning her bachelor’s degree and completing foreign language courses. Dora used her fluent Portuguese in her professional role, contributing skills that were both valuable and rare.

Over the years, Dora earned numerous promotions and commendations as a Civilian Personnel Specialist. She traveled to Virginia and Washington, D.C. for national meetings—at a time when women were rarely seen in such leadership roles. Standing only five feet tall—even in heels—Dora’s presence, intelligence, and quiet confidence made her stand out among her peers.

After 34 years of dedicated federal service, Dora chose to retire on the very day her grandson was born, joyfully stepping into her next and most treasured role: grandmother.

She poured her heart into helping raise her two grandchildren, cherishing memories of long stroller walks to the park and zoo, school pickups, and summer camping trips with Papa Floyd. These moments remained among her most beloved memories.

Dora was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Albuquerque. She faithfully served her parish by assisting with new member classes and was deeply involved as a Knights of Columbus wife.

In her eternal home, Dora is reunited with her parents Daniel and Juanita; her beloved siblings Joe, Virginia, Ernest, Gloria, Elmo, and Jerry; as well as extended family members and the many cherished friends she made throughout her life.

She leaves behind her loving son Gary and his wife Cindy—who was Dora’s angel and devoted in‑home caregiver—grandchildren Matthew and his wife Taryn, Kaitlyn (Katie), and grandson Trenton, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members, and dear friends from Mayberry Senior Services.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Deanna and Pavia of Roadrunner Hospice for the compassion, dignity, and care they provided and to the entire staff at Mayberry for the love, laughter and fun they shared with Dora.

A Celebration of Life for Dora Gomez Sandoval will be held at Daniels Family Funeral Services on Friday, May 1st, with a rosary at 10:30 a.m. followed by services at 11:00 a.m.