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Phoenix – Nellie T. Sanchez, formerly of Shafter, Texas, passed away in her home on April 18, 2021 at the age of 85.
Nellie was born in Texas in 1936, the oldest of Apolonio and Faustina Trejo. She attended Ray High School in Sonora, Ariz. She married the love of her life Henry O. Sanchez, raising 7 children in a small copper mining town, Dudleyville, Ariz.
Nellie was busy. She retired from banking after 30 years. After, she spent her days caring for her grandchildren and became a familiar face in the Phoenix community volunteering at the church as a choir director, religious education director, fiesta coordinator, and St. Vincent De Paul member for over 30 years.
We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Nellie during her 85 years, among them: The importance of family and remaining humble, which is instilled in everyone she encountered.
Nellie was preceded in death by her mother and father Apolonio and Faustina Trejo; husband of 47 years, Henry O. Sanchez; one grandchild, Enrique “Chito” Sanchez; and two brothers, Joe and Paul Trejo.
Her spirit is carried on by her 7 children, Sylvia Tirado, Henry (Irene) Sanchez, Gerard (Rachelle) Sanchez, Mary Angel (Daniel) Serrano, Stanley Sanchez, Bernadette (Angel) Miranda, Carmen (Michael) Gore; 22 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends from every walk of life.
She led by example. There was never a job too large or too small that she would not tackle. She was strong, humble and the most generous woman you could have ever met. We will miss her every day.
Celebration of her life will take place on April 23, 2021, 4-6 pm (viewing/rosary), Whitney and Murphy funeral home; April 24, 2021, 10 am (mass), Queen of Peace Church, 141 N MacDonald, Mesa, AZ 85201. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1562 E Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to Saint Edwards/Saint Vincent De Paul, 4751 E Saint Catherine Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
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