Loretta May Wake

Loretta Wake Sanchez passed away peacefully at Mt. Baker Care Center in Bellingham Washington on June 21st, 2025. Loretta is preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Fern Wake, brothers Marvin and John Wake of Sedro Woolley and a daughter Lynn Peterson of Bellingham. She is survived by her husband José Sanchez, daughter Karen and son-in-law Mark Morgenthaler of Bellingham, and daughter Becky and son-in-law Tom Franklin of Blaine. She also leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren, fourteen great- grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Loretta was born in Sheridan Missouri, a rural farming community. She came out to Washington State in the mid 1950s to Sedro Woolley with her parents and brothers as a newlywed, with her first-born daughter. While in Sedro Woolley, Loretta and the family welcomed two more daughters, eventually settling in Bellingham in 1966. Shortly after she and her family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had remained an active member her entire life. After joining the church, the family moved out to eastern Washington to Colville. Where they spent five years, afterwards moving back to Bellingham. Being a country girl at heart, she loved gardening. She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, and enjoyed needlework, knitting, and crocheting. Other interests include family genealogy tracing back to the 1500s, painting and other crafts. Loretta was a great example of being a hard worker and thrifty. She had great intellect and skill in applying knowledge to her hobbies, family, and daily living. Making sure her children always came first. She was self-taught in many things. She also attended classes for shorthand, bookkeeping, and real estate. She obtained her real estate license and sold real estate for a short time. She was also a secretary and bookkeeper. All of these skills were instrumental in furthering her career goals and self-improvement. We will miss her tremendously with love and fond memories. A special thank you to Mt. Baker Care Center for looking after our mother with kindness and in facilitating a peaceful transition from this life to the next. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to: The Lighthouse Mission C/O the Thomas A & Susan E Mossey Center Agape Home for Women and Children in Crisis at 1215 F St Bellingham WA 98225 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Loretta, please visit our Tree Store.