Grandma Lucy

LUCY REBECCA SANCHEZ "What was your most exciting moment today?" Lucy Sanchez would ask her husband and three children at dinner time. Lucy was an inspiration to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with her positive attitude and caring nature. Lucy Rebecca Sanchez was born December 26, 1920 in Cabresto, NM. Lucy lived in Santa Fe on Washington Avenue with her parents, Luis M. Salazar, a prominent Santa Fe businessman who owned Salazars New Mexican Cafe next to the Pink Adobe; and Carolina Chavez Salazar who was the daughter of Miguel Chavez and founding member of La Sociedad Folkorica, of which Lucy Sanchez was a member and past president. Lucy graduated from Santa Fe High in 1939 and attended New Mexico State University majoring in Home Economics. Lucy worked in Los Alamos during World War II. After the war, Lucy worked for Mountain Bell Telephone Company where she met her husband Kenneth M. Sanchez, a World War II Veteran who was a tail gunner on a Liberator B-24, the "Sandra Kay", stationed in Australia and the South Pacific. Kenneth died in 1971. Lucy worked at the College of Santa Fe from 1971-1985. The College of Santa Fe has also acknowledged her volunteer work in support of Associated Student Government, the Greer Garson Theater Guild and the Greater College of Santa Fe Fund. Lucy enjoyed volunteering for many organizations and causes belonging to AARP, ABWA, Sacred Heart League, Catholic Daughters, League of Woman Voters, and La Sociedad Folklorica. She was a Girl Scout Leader for Troop 30 and volunteered at the Girls Club teaching crochet and knitting. Lucy especially loved Fiestas, making biscochitos, going to Zozobra parties, modeling vintage Santa Fe Fashion at the La Sociedad Folkloricas style show. A favorite was riding on the La Sociedad Folklorica float in the Historical/Hysterical Parada. In 1980 she received the Fiesta Costume Award. Lucy leaves her daughters: MaryLouise Dreibelbis and husband J. Dreibelbis, Carolynn B. Sanchez; son, Kenny Sanchez; grandchildren: Jon Dreibelbis and Cheryl Rainford, Nathan Z. and Jenny Wilson, Jeanne Vaughn and Sally Wilson; great grandchildren: Macmillan Vaughn, Jacob Vaughn, Kiera Nyres Wilson and Molly May Rainford Dreibelbis. Lucy is also survived by her brother, Louis Salazar; and sister, Eva Vasquez; many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Lucy’s family wishes to thank Carole, Esther and Cindy from Odyssey Hospice for all their help and comfort. "Good Night, Sleep Tight, No Boogey Bites" A Visitation will be held Monday, November 5, 2007, 6 p.m. with at Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. at McGee Memorial Chapel. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, November 6, 2007, 9 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Services 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600

Published in the Santa Fe New Mexican on 11/4/2007.