Lucy C. Sanchez

SANCHEZ, Lucy Carlos 96, of Tucson, AZ went to be with our Heavenly Father on August 16, 2016, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on June 20, 1920 in Clarkdale, AZ to parents Juan and Herlinda Hernandez Carlos. Lucy discovered her passion to dance at an early age, and even lead her high school's marching band, while twirling the baton. At age 17, Lucy was crowned the Queen of the Mexican Independence Festival with a landslide of votes from the whole town of Clarkdale.

She met Jesse A. Sanchez from Jerome, AZ at a social function. It was love at first sight for them when his eyes met her beautiful, brown eyes. Jesse enlisted in the Army during WWII in 1944, and was stationed at Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, NC. They soon married before Jesse was deployed to fight in the South Pacific. While at Fort Bragg, they welcomed a new baby, Jesse "Boy" Sanchez, that Jesse A. had never met until his safe return to the states. The family settled down in Jerome, AZ and welcomed 2 more children Rebecca Enriquez of Tucson, and Olivia Contreras of Avondale. After the mine closed in Jerome, the family moved to Avondale, AZ in 1953, and welcomed another daughter, Yolanda Sanchez of Tucson. In 1966, Jesse A. surprised Lucy with a brand new house in Tucson he had built just for her. The two of them eventually settled down and became Tucsonans, while raising their youngest daughter.

Lucy had an exuberant and vivacious personality. It was evident in her passion for gardening, dancing, her sense of humor, and the love she felt for her family. It was not uncommon for her to be dancing in the living room to Telemundo programs saying, "Shake it baby!" She possessed a green thumb, and her house plants appeared as if they were uprooted from the Amazon jungle. In the corner of your eye you could swear you saw Tarzan swinging from the vines. The roses in her yard were the envy of all the neighborhood. The fragrance would envelope the space beautifully.

She absolutely loved her grandchildren with all of her heart, and helped raise a handful of them. The house was warmly filled with aromas of cinnamon and vanilla when she would make tapioca or rice pudding for her family. The holidays were her favorite time to spend with family, where Lucy dressed up for Halloween and enjoyed the annual Christmas Eve, dinner party hosted by Rebecca and her spouse Tony. Every square inch of the house was decorated for the holidays and given her personal touch. Especially during Christmas, since "Santa Claus" lived across the street.

Lucy always dressed to impress and would give advice to her granddaughters about makeup application, and always looking your best. The click-clack sound of her high heels scurrying across the floor was heard inside the house all day long.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse A. in 2000, and went to live with her daughter, Rebecca, soon after his passing. Lucy received excellent care from Rebecca up to the time of her passing for 15 years. Her son, Jesse "Boy" Sanchez of Avondale preceded her death in 2011, as well. She is survived by her children: Rebecca Enriquez, Olivia Contreras, Yolanda Sanchez, and by her 13 grandchildren: Junior Sanchez, Denise Sanchez, Gabriel Sanchez, Veronica Sanchez, Sonia Enriquez, Anthony Enriquez, Eddie Enriquez, Buddy Contreras, J.J. Contreras, Tonya Contreras, Monica Bazurto, Angela Bazurto, Erika Bazurto. Lucy was proud of her 31 great grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren. Lucy C. Sanchez left an amazing legacy and will forever be in our hearts. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 22, 2016 at Our Mother of Sorrows Church,

1800 S. Kolb Rd. from 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass at 10:30am.

Burial immediately following at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 E. Grant Rd.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 22, 2016 at Our Mother of Sorrows Church,

1800 S. Kolb Rd. from 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass at 10:30am.

Burial immediately following at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 E. Grant Rd.