On February 5, 2024, Lydia G. Sanchez of Clifton, Arizona, entered eternal rest in Morenci, Arizona. Lydia has been a lifelong resident of Clifton/Morenci, most notably Shannon Hill since 1982. She was born on March 19, 1952, to Miguel and Amelia Gonzalez in Morenci. She grew up in Old Morenci until her high school years, where she later became a Clifton Trojan. She graduated from CHS in 1970 and then went to the Phoenix area to attend Lamson Business School. Upon returning to the Clifton area, she married the love of her life, David Sanchez, in 1972. Together they built a family of 2 daughters and 2 sons.
During her adult years, she was the glue that kept the family together by always tending to her parents, father-in-law, grandparents, and anyone who needed assistance. It was her way of life to always help others, which carried with her for the rest of her life. While managing to tend to her loved ones, she began to volunteer her time at the Sacred Heart Parish as a CCD teacher from 1986 to 2024. In addition, she also worked at the Clifton School District, most notably as the cafeteria clerk. In this role, she was known to help students who did not have the needed funds for their lunch. This was a true testament to the kindness of her heart, whether it was teaching local youth the Catholic faith or ensuring that students were being taken care of.
Lydia is the backbone of her loving family. She was always at her children’s, grandchildren’s, great-grandchildren’s events/accomplishments. Lydia was always the person that family and friends confided in all situations whether it be an issue where someone needed advice or just someone to talk to. Her faith was sprinkled on her family as she was at Saturday mass weekly and sometimes even more than just once a week. She was constantly at mass with family members including her great grandkids, a true testament to her commitment to building faith in all she was around.
Lydia’s hobbies included taking pictures at all family events, she always had her camera readily available to capture the moments. Cooking the best meals for her family was something that she prided herself on teaching her family the trick of the trade of making some of the most delicious meals. She also enjoyed gardening, making special blankets for all her loved ones, and creating special photo albums/books for each of her children and grandchildren. She has a special wall in her living room that celebrates her grandchildren when they graduate high school. She was proud of getting the wall lined up to represent the last of her 10 grandchildren graduating high school later this year.
Lydia was a loved member of the community by all. She was known by many names: Mom, Grandma Lydia, Momhouse, and Rancho. Her father was known to say on more than one occasion that if more people were like her, the world would be a much better place. She touched so many lives and was a very loving person to all.
Lydia was preceded in death by: her loving husband of 47 years, David. She was also preceded in death by: her parents, Miguel and Amelia Gonzalez.
Lydia is survived by: her children, David (Stephanie), Jo Ann (Peter), Elaine (Tony), and Joseph (Sharyan). She is also survived by: her brothers, Miguel (Diane), Manuel (Carol), Victor (Margo), and John (Maria). In addition, she is survived by: her 10 loving grandchildren, Sean, Erika, Peter Daniel, Jesleena, Nicholas, Ruben Tito, Omar, Alex, Amaya, and Michael Rey. In the most recent years, her greatest joy was to help care for her 12 great-grandchildren. She had a special bond with them, and they will always be grateful that they had an opportunity to be part of her life.
Family will receive friends Thursday evening, February 15, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A rosary and prayers will be offered Thursday evening, February 15, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., also at the church.
Family will receive friends Friday morning, February 16, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Lydia will be celebrated Friday, February 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Rev. Nathaniel Mma. Committal will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfunerlhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
