Lorena T. Sanchez

Lorena T. Sanchez

1942-2023

Lorena T. Sanchez was called to her eternal resting place on March 13, 2023. She was 81 years young.

Lorena entered this world on Jan. 6, 1942, in Belen, born to Joe and Lily Tabet.

Lorena is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Gilbert Sanchez; parents, Joe and Lily Tabet; her brothers, Wilfred Tabet, Herman Tabet, Thomas Tabet and Fidel Tabet; in-laws, Macedonia and Josephine Sanchez, Paul and Frieda Clinton, Susana Sanchez, Eugene Scheiss, Nino Trujillio, Edna Tabet, Betty Tabet and Rosie Tabet.

Lorena is survived by her daughter and companion, Elizabeth Sanchez; son, Phillip Sanchez (Teresa); youngest daughter, Katherine (Tanner) Irons; her three dearest grandsons, Chance (Valerie) Irons, Cannon (Sarah) Irons and Colton Irons; her precious great-granddaughter, Emberlynn Rae (Chance and Valerie); and two more great-grandchildren who will be born late spring and early summer. She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Dolores Scheiss and Gloria Tabet; brother, Richie (Sue) Tabet; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Lorena graduated from Belen High School in 1960. She married her soulmate and love of her life, Gilbert Sanchez, on Aug. 26, 1961.

Lorena obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern New Mexico University in 1982. She was a talented artist, leaving many pieces of art work our family will cherish always.

Lorena was known for her high-spirited personality. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She had a huge heart and would never hesitate to “give you the shirt off her back.”

Lorena kept busy through out her life raising her children, instructing aerobics classes, painting, entertaining for New Mexico Highlands University and enjoying evening walks with Gilbert and their little dog, Tiny.

Lorena’s most favorite thing in this life was spending time with her three grandsons, taking them to the movies, going to Chucky Cheese and, of course, beating them at the game of Sorry. (“It’s for the best,” as she would have said.)

Mom, you will be dearly missed and forever remembered! Bye for now, talk to you later, “I Love You!” Kate. Hey Mom, “Have you hugged a kid today!?”