Leonida Guinto Sanchez

Leonida Guinto Sanchez, 93, passed away in the morning of February 4, 2026 in Atlantic City, NJ surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Cavite, Philippines on December 29, 1932.

Leonida grew up in Bacoor, Cavite in the Philippines where she graduated from National Teachers College. After she graduated, she became an elementary school teacher for two years in the Batanes Islands in the northern Philippines. Leonida spent the majority of her teaching years at Aniban Elementary School. She married the love of her life, Pacifico Sanchez, on August 5, 1956. After over 20 years of teaching, Leonida retired to care for her daughters. Leonida was known for entertaining and is still well remembered by the friends of her children for preparing her famous pancit bihon and alimasag sa gata. In 2002, Leonida and Pacifico immigrated to the United States where they split their time with their three children, often traveling between Chino Hills, CA, Bloomfield, NJ, and Dover, DE. Following Pacifico's passing in 2005 and the passing of her brother-in-law Mario Holgado in 2013, she spent her last few years with her late sister, Lydia Holgado, in Mays Landing where they would enjoy frequent visits from their families. On January 29, 2025, Leonida and her sister moved to Villa Raffaella Assisted Living in Pleasantville, NJ where she resided until her final days. Together, they were cared for by not only their families, but also by the Hospitaller Sisters of Mercy.

Leonida Sanchez was married for almost 50 years to the late Pacifico Sanchez, who passed away in 2005. She was the daughter of Tranquilino Guinto and Margarita Ocampo of Bacoor, Cavite, and was one of five children. She survived by her brother, Reynaldo Guinto, and was preceded by Virginia Calinisan, Belen Tolentino, Lydia Holgado. She is also survived by her three children: Margie Sanchez Dungo and her husband Nestor Dungo with their children Shawn Dungo and his partner Jaclyn Galon, and Alexa Dungo and her partner Jesse House; Cecile Sanchez Alba and her husband Norbert Alba with their children Clarice Alba and her husband John Melgar along with their children Camila Melgar and Jianna Melgar, and Cathy Alba; Jacqueline Sanchez Reyes and her husband David Reyes with their children Alyssa Reyes and her husband Andrew Wolfanger, and Nicholas Reyes.

Memorial services will be held 12 Noon on Sunday February 15, 2026 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd., Dover. A visitation will be held one hour prior.