Jesus Maria Sanchez

Jesus “Jesse” Maria Sanchez, 88, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be reunited with his loving wife, whom he greatly missed, on  Friday, July 15, 2022. He was a determined and sharp-witted man, even up to his very last days. He loved his family and loved his Lord Jesus Christ.

He was born on Monday, October 16, 1933, in Mountainair, NM to Telesfor and Higinia Sanchez.  In September of 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. A few years after being discharged from the Army, he met his wonderful wife, Linda Sanchez and they married on Saturday, December 19, 1959. Linda had two young sons when they married, Johnny Mirabal and Stan Mirabal, and Jesus helped Linda raise her amazing sons. He loved her sons as his very own and never considered them his stepsons, instead he always proudly referred to them as “my boys.” He took much pride in the selfless and kind men they became and was proud that his boys became his primary caregivers after the death of Linda in January 2021. The death of his dearly beloved wife of 61 years took a significant toll on him as he was surely left with a piece of his heart missing. Although he was left without his wife, his boys sacrificially stepped in and ensured he was well taken care of daily. He deeply loved his incredible daughter-in-law of 53 years, Mary “Nena” Mirabal, wife of Stan Mirabal. He loved talking and laughing with her for endless hours and loved playing marbles during their visits.  He also enjoyed his special visits with Jamie Watkins, Johnny Mirabal’s partner, and greatly appreciated all the meals she would take him and the care she provided to him.

Jesse was a determined man and although he faced many hardships, he continually refused to give up. He had much loss in his life, starting with the loss of his beloved and cherished younger sister Angie growing up.  In his mid-20’s, he also had a catastrophic accident that rendered one of his arms almost completely immobilized. He never considered his inability to fully use one arm a disability and moved through life with a fierce tenacity as if there had been no accident. His persistence paid off when he began his career as a janitor and moved his way all the way up to eventually become a successful machinist for 30 years at the University of New Mexico in the Physics and Astronomy Department. He was a curious, hardworking, and a very sharp-witted man. Although his body began to weaken, his mind stayed steadfast and he was sharp in all his dealings. He also had a humorous side to him and enjoyed telling farfetched stories to make others laugh and acting playful at times.

Jesse loved his many nieces and nephews, his grandchildren, John Mirabal, Frank Mirabal, Tess Mirabal, Darren Mirabal,  Dolores Sanchez-Mirabal, Michelle Mirabal, Desiree Marquez, Denise Trujillo, and Alicia Manzano and Daniel Manzano; his great-grandchildren, Exavier Viramontez , Analisse Mirabal, Jaelyn Trujillo, Marissa Marquez, Josiah Trujillo, Danika Marquez, Jeremiah Trujillo, Noah Marquez and Aliana Manzano.

His beloved wife of 61 years, Linda; his mom, dad; brothers, Willie and Tony; sisters,  Angie and Rose; and great-grandson, Matthew Sanchez all preceded him in death, and he is reunited with them at last.  He leaves behind his dear sister, Corine; sister-in-law, Lipa; sister-in-law, Martha; brother, Robert; and treasured friends.

Pallbearers will be John Mirabal, Frank Mirabal, Darren Mirabal, Josiah Trujillo, Carlos Barela, and Gilbert Sanchez.