Carmen Sanchez Fernandez

Carmen Sanchez Fernandez was born on January 13, 1945 in Glendale, Arizona to the late Rafael & Amelia Sanchez. She graduated from Glendale High School in May 1963. Carmen actively participated in the Glendale HS Marching Band and played the clarinet. Immediately upon graduation, she registered at Lamson Business College, Phoenix, AZ in the Private Branch Exchange Phone System Program. (PBX Operator). Upon graduating from Lamson Business College, Carmen worked at Phoenix General Hospital in the Administration Department as a Receptionist and Admittances Staff.

On January 23, 1966, Carmen married Clemente G. Fernandez at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Phoenix. By the end of January 1966, she began her vocation as military wife at Offutt Air Force Base, Headquarter Strategic Air Command, Omaha Nebraska. Carmen added the title of mom when her son David and daughter Adria were born.

Carmen joined the Military Wives Catholic Women of the Chapel (CWOC) upon her arrival to Aviano Air Base Italy in 1977. She was involved in fundraising for the Base Chapel and the Aviano Little League Baseball Team. Her hard work helped send the Italy team to the European competition in Belgium and to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA in 1979. Upon returning to Tucson, Carmen served as member of the CWOC and one year as President at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ. Once more she participated in fundraising to help the young airmen and wives, she visited adult care centers and collected toys for Air Force “Santa in Blue”, clothing and funds for the local community and 21 American Native Districts around Tucson area. As a military wife and CWOC member Carmen visited The Vatican on two special occasions and each time had an audience with the Pope in 1979 and 1980.

As a proud military wife for 21 years Carmen was able to tour Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Ireland, Holland and Yugoslavia. She earned a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Air Force for her unselfish, faithful and devoted service. Her unfailing support and understanding, helped to make it possible for her husband Clemente’s lasting contribution to the United State Air Force and Our Nation.

A superb wife and mother, Carmen loved baking and cooking. She had a very sophisticated taste, consequently, her meals were always very delicious. Her red chili and meat tamales were the greatest. As the mother of David and Adria, both University of Arizona Alumnus, Carmen enjoyed watching U of A football, basketball and the Arizona Diamondbacks. She also enjoyed bowling, reading, sewing, and playing Bunko with the ladies. Carmen had a beautiful voice and always sang out loud along with the church chorus. She was a devoted Catholic and was always willing to help others. Carmen loved to sing along with the Mariachis and do Gritos, which is a shout at the top of her lungs!

On October 23, 2024, with her loving family by her side, she passed away in Tucson. Carmen is survived by her husband of 59 years, Clemente, son David Fernandez and his wife Randie, daughter Adria Fernandez and her husband William Spurbeck, brother Edward Sanchez, sister Virginia Peterson and several nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Susana Yanez.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 4-8PM at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale. A rosary will be recited beginning at 6PM. On Friday, November 8, 2024 at 11AM a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 5614 W. Orangewood Avenue, Glendale. Burial will follow at Resthaven Park Cemetery, Glendale.