Ursula Sanchez

1927-2025 Ursula Sanchez, a life-long resident of Belen, New Mexico, passed away in the loving comfort of her home, on the morning of Friday, September 19, 2025. She was 97. Ursula was born on October 21, 1927. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School, Belen Junior High School, where she met Bennie Sanchez, and in 1944 she graduated from Belen High School. They married in 1946 after Bennie returned from the War in Europe. Ursula was educated and employed as a secretary, and Bennie established Hub Furniture and Carpet Co. in Belen. Together Ursula and Bennie raised a family of six children and lived in the same home for 60 years. They were avid travelers. They visited Europe, Mexico, Hawaii and many cruises including Alaska. Together they enjoyed motor-homing around the Southwest and beyond, until Bennie passed away nine years ago in 2016. Ursula was a parishioner of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, where she was a member of Our Lady Catholic Daughters and supported St. Vincent de Paul, Joy Junction, and the Boys' Ranch of New Mexico. She was predeceased by her parents, Carlos and Felipita Garcia, her siblings Dolores (Lola), Orlando, and Lorenzo, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her sister Eva and brother-in-law Bernard Sanchez and by her sister-in-law, Erlinda Garcia. She is survived by her children, all of whom also attended St. Mary's Catholic School and cared for her in her final years: Marti (Jeff) Perry, Jeanette Garcia (Ric), Michael Sanchez (Kim), Dori (Pete) Nichols, Elley Sanchez-Lifke, and Cyndi (Paul) Bleicher. She is survived by 13 grandchildren: Garrick, Juliette, Marleigh, Jenalee, Nicolette, Jordyn, Brendon, Kristina, Nicholas, Lauren, Ariel, Lily, and Rylee; and great-grandchildren: Parker, Naiala, Owen, and Oliver. Heartfelt thanks to faithful Communicants who served her Communion every Sunday, Marianna and Michael. Thank you to High Desert Hospice, Becky, and Lynae, and John. Also thank you to Sarah, a part-time caregiver, who was always on call when we needed her. Final funeral services for Ursula are arranged by Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen. A mass for Ursula is scheduled at the San Clemente Catholic Church in Los Lunas on Monday, October 6 at 10:00 a.m., with visitation at 8:30 a.m., and a rosary at 9:30 a.m. An online tribute for Ursula is available at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Those who would like to remember Ursula may make donations to her favorite charities mentioned above. The Burial for Ursula will take place at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Garden. Garrick, Brendon, Nicolette, Kristina, Nicholas, Lily, Lauren and Rylee will serve as pallbearers.