L. Margaret Sanchez

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: Saturday, April 15, 2023 @ 11 am

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP RECEPTION: Immediately following Service.

LOCATION: Daniels Family Funeral Services

3113 Carlisle Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87110

It is with extraordinary joy, yet profound sadness and enormous loss that we announce that our Lord's faithful servant, Margarita Lydia Sanchez transitioned from this world surrounded by family and into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father, Saturday morning, April 1, 2023. She was born in San Antonio, New Mexico on June 28, 1936, to father, Johnnie Jesus, and mother, Jennie (Griego) Armijo (both deceased). Surviving her is her best friend, devoted husband, and the love of her life on earth, Jesse Sanchez. Her much-loved adult children, T.J. (Thomas Joseph Smith), and wife Adele; Deborah Ann Myer, and husband Randal; Michelle Holbrook, and husband Danny, Jesse Sanchez Jr., and wife Sandy and Lorraine Denton. Her grieving family included nineteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren who she all adored.

Predeceased by three adult children, daughter, Diana Smith; sons, Michael Smith, and Larry Sanchez; and granddaughter, Lisa Velasquez. Sisters, Virgilia Armijo (infant), and Mary L. Sanchez; brothers-in-law, William Arthur Sanchez, and Valentin Lucero. Survived also, by three sisters, Ermelinda Lucero, Dolores S. Herrera, and Pastor Cecilia C. De Baca and her only brother Johnny Joseph Armijo and wife Jan Armijo, brothers-in-law, Eugene A. Herrera, Dr. Fernando E. C De Baca and David Sanchez and sister-in-law, Juanita Ortiz: Multi-generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and military veterans. Beloved sisters and brothers from local Christian churches and congregations and broad-based faith community.

Margaret attended St. Mary’s Catholic School for 12 years. Both a studious and popular student, she excelled academically. She was a straight “A” honor roll student. Active in clubs and activities. She graduated with Honors with a 5.5 GPA. As an incredibly young girl she worked babysitting and was employed at J.C. Penney downtown throughout high school.

In the early years, she juggled a hectic life. Oftentimes working 2-3 jobs to support and raise her children. Jesse and Margaret’s expanded family kept them busy, busy, busy. But they were always available for each other, enjoying life as a close couple – always together, holding each other up.

Margaret was a dedicated loving, helpful, momma, grandma, great grandma, and great great grandma. Strong, and compassionate as she was kind and beautiful. She nurtured her family, supporting them to excel and achieve. But she was no pushover. She had expectations for each of them.

Together with her bright mind and joyous personality, she was an achiever. Equipped with the foundation of her parents’ rooted principles, of giving, helping, and doing for others came naturally, it was in was in her DNA. She loved people, and they loved her back. Her professional occupation (s) and volunteerism are impressive. She was a high-level administrator in the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s office and employed with the Colorado Department of Social Services, Colorado Springs. Moving back to Albuquerque, she discovered her true passion. Serving the disabled, especially military service-connected disabled veterans, who she assisted through professional positions she held with the American Legion and, Disabled American Veterans. In her mid-sixties she began a small business and continued to function for the veterans who needed help. She represented clients expertly and eloquently. Her photogenic mind focused on key facts, information, and data, successfully winning her clients’ cases.

Jesse (Post Commander) and Margaret traveled extensively throughout the country to conventions and events for many years. Both were speakers holding local office and national affiliations. Using their knowledge, experience, and combined leadership skills to support hundreds of disabled American Veterans not only in New Mexico but around the United States.

Margaret became an educated, ordained Christian Pastor. Together with Jesse they both committed to a lifetime of ministry. Serving numerous geographic areas of the church community. Functioning in many capacities and functions over the years. They provided spiritual guidance, preached, and evangelized members of their church. Providing the planning, organizing, and catering of church events, performing regular and some unimaginable duties and labor-intensive jobs. No matter how tired, these faithful Christians, always said yes to the Lord. Giving all the Glory to God.

Often complimented for her intelligence and knowledge, Margaret stood fast for people. She shared God-given talents and gifts to help her family, friends, and strangers. Although forced to retire at 85, due to illness. Yes, eighty-five! There was no stopping that lady. Moving a bit slower she continued driving her van (until March 2023). She and Jesse endured and excelled some more, tolerating their worsening and severe, and chronic health issues, together. They appreciated life and each other. During that last hospital stay, she remained true to form texting, giving tasks, and directions and remained in full control.

Two days before she went to heaven, Margaret was soft spoken and calm. She remained completely aware of her surroundings and articulate. Her always gorgeous skin, illuminated, looked like porcelain. Her mood was peaceful and exceptionally beautiful. Still wearing her watch. She ministered to us. Covering us with the precious blood of Jesus. She highlighted the importance to us that we must not forget to love one another, forgive each other, help each other, and to keep the family strong and together. That day Margaret smiled repeating the following, “I hear a voice saying, over and over,” “be still and know that I am God.”

We cherish the wonderful, joyous, soul filled, precious memories we shared with Margaret. They will perpetuate our deep and everlasting love for her. We loved her deeply and appreciated all she did for all of us. We will weep but our sorrow will not overshadow our rejoicing in thanksgiving. She had a long eventful, satisfying fulfilled life, with happy, and fun times; while also experiencing hardships, and loss. She loved us and made each of us know that we were special. The Lord made her worthy due to her unfaltering faith and belief in God’s promises. On this day, we say, Amen, Alleluia! Margaret met her lifetime goal. Waiting for her were all her loved ones. She is now at peace, for all eternity. Our beautiful Margaret is home in Paradise with Jesus!

“ Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalms 46:10)