Eva Beatrice Sanchez

Our beloved mother, Eva Beatriz Sanchez, passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2025, she was surrounded by love. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and a true friend to many.

She was born on October 12, 1932, at her family’s home in Cimarron, New Mexico to Florentina and Juan Romero. In 1949, while attending a dance at Colfax, chaperoned by her brother John and sister-in-law, Leota she met the love of her life, Eloy Max Sanchez. On August 20, 1949, she married the “handsome boy with green eyes” and began a life with him that would span over 61 years. Eva was a bookkeeper, President of the Ladies Auxiliary, PTA President, Catechism teacher, and Artist. Her biggest role was wife and mother.

That same year, as a young married couple, Eva and Max started their life together on a ranch about 30 miles in Rayado, NM. Ranching life was new to her. But she quickly learned and thrived in her new role. Eva was an example of tenacity and resilience. She learned to paint in her 70’s and became an amazing artist. As an artist, Eva won numerous awards over the years. She took on new adventures with a steadfast determination. Those adventures would eventually lead her to Cimarron, Taos, Los Lunas and then Albuquerque. She was a world traveler! Traveling with her husband and children brought her great joy. She loved new places and meeting new people. She celebrated her 80th birthday in Sicily, Italy in a small café with Sicilians feasting and drinking wine.

She was faithful and placed God and her church community at the center of her life. She recited the rosary daily and her devotion to the Blessed Mother was unwavering. She was a servant. Her example of service to others came when she cared for both her parents towards the end of their lives. Her children, two sons and four daughters were her pride and joy. And with each new grandchild her love grew exponentially. Eva loved spending time one on one with her children and grandchildren, which gave her the opportunity to truly listen. She was a good listener and became the second mother and grandmother to many.

Her laugh was infectious. She knew how to break up the monotony. She was welcoming and always offered a seat at her table and would offer up loving advice. Which became her trademark. She was an amazing cook, and she insisted you have a meal with her. She was kind and witty. A friend said, “If I ever knew anyone who loved me it was Eva, just by the way she treated me.” She was a quilter and seamstress. She made beautiful clothes for her children and her quilts told a story. She took pride in making them unique for each person.

In 2000, Eva and Max retired to Los Lunas, NM, where they began a new life. Once again, she was faced with a new adventure. And like everything in her life, she took the move with stride and formed a loving community of friends. On the passing of her husband, she would settle in Albuquerque, which brought on a new set of skills for her to learn. And like everything she tackled in life, she did it one step at a time.

Proverbs 31:30: "Grace is fleeting, beauty fades, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”

Eva Beatriz is survived by her children, Yvonne Sanchez, Selma Salazar (Phil), Georgiana Gonzales (Roy), Maxcine Bates (Jimmy), Joseph Sanchez (Alicia) and Max Sanchez. Her 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren and all her loving family and friends who made her life complete.

Eva Beatriz was predeceased by her husband, Eloy Max Sanchez, son, Wallace L. Sanchez, father, Juan Romero, her mother, Florentina Romero, brothers John J. Romero, Litra Romero, Clarence Romero, sisters, Gloria Hargrave, Anabelle Romero, Melbra Mora and many others.

Funeral Services will be held at Our Lady of Annunciation Catholic Community 2621 Vermont St. NE, Albuquerque, NM on June 20th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Rosary with Mass following. Reception to follow at St. Magdelene Hall.

If friends and family so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Amercian Heart Association, 2201 San Pedro Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, (505) 485-1330.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Eva’s family here.