Maria Teresa Sanchez, age 89, passed away early Saturday, November 19, 2022.

Soon after her parents immigrated to the USA, Maria Teresa was conceived in the Fall of 1932, a "miracle baby" to Mercedes and her husband Severiano. Maria Teresa, was born June 1933 in Douglas, Arizona. She was their 9 ^th and last child.

Nicknamed Chita, she attended the Loretto School in Douglas, and learned to play the piano. She attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, where she earned a BA in Home Economics. While sharing an apartment with her sister Chu, she met James Sanchez, a handsome airman from New Mexico, stationed at Davis Monthan AFB. They married in December of 1956.

After the birth of a couple of children, the family eventually settled in New Mexico. Maria Teresa taught elementary grades with the Albuquerque Public Schools for several decades. During that time she earned a Masters degree at the UNM, where she also taught courses in Spanish.

A consummate educator, she loved to learn and teach. She sought excellence in whatever endeavor she pursued. After retiring from the APS, she took up violin, playing with a chamber group of the Albuquerque Symphony. She also sharpened her sewing skills, winning numerous awards at the New Mexico State Fair. She was also active with several church choirs over the years, directing, playing the organ or violin, up until her death.

Surviving her memory are her husband of 65 years, James Sanchez; son, James Sanchez; and her granddaughter Analicia Sanchez. Maria Teresa was preceded in death by her father Severiano; her mother, Mercedes; and by her son, Xavier Sanchez.

The funeral service will be held at the Shrine of St. Bernadette in Albuquerque, NM, 11509 Indian School Rd NE, on Friday, December 9, 2022.

The Rosary will be recited at 9:30AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow the services.