Celine Sanchez

Celine Sanchez, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished member of the Santa Fe community, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 26, 1941, in Pecos, New Mexico, Celine lived a life defined by dedication to her faith, her family, and her roots. In her final moments, she was comforted by her loved ones, and she went to be with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Celine’s journey began in the close-knit town of Pecos, where enduring values and the warmth of family shaped the woman she would become. Throughout her eighty-five years, she carried those values with her, nurturing deep bonds with all who crossed her path.

Celine was a beautician for over 40 years. She attended Santa Fe Beauty College in the 1960's, right out of high school. She developed an exclusive and loyal cliental in the Santa Fe area. 

Her legacy is one of selfless love and unwavering support for her family. She is deeply mourned by her children: daughter Eliza Sanchez (Martin Esquibel), son Eric Sanchez, and daughter-in-law Melissa Sanchez. The love and wisdom Celine gave her family live on through her grandsons, Christopher Esquibel and Brandon Sanchez, who brought her immeasurable pride and joy.

Celine also held a special place in her heart for her extended family and the friends she regarded as family. She is survived by her brother Paul Varela, her sister Evelyn C De Baca, brother Charlie Varela, and by her sisters-in-law Frances Varela, Rita Sanchez, and Berta Ulibarri. Her brother-in-law James Sanchez and Nerio Roybal, and a host of nieces and nephews—Victoria Sanchez, Margaret C De Baca, Carole Roybal, Christina Garcia, and Leonard Garcia—will carry forward memories of her kindness and presence.

She leaves behind a legacy woven with the threads of faith, resilience, and love for family and friends. Celine was preceded in death by her loving parents, Carolina and Herculano Varela; her siblings, Eutimia Roybal and Molly Garcia; her brothers in law Leandro Garcia, brothers Ernest Varela, and Joseph Varela. Their memories and the family ties that bound them remained a source of strength and inspiration throughout her life.

Celine’s devotion to her family, grounding in her faith, and generosity to those around her will remain a guiding light to all who knew her. Her impact on her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends is as enduring as her love was steadfast.

Private services honoring Celine’s life will be held by the family in the coming days. As loved ones gather to remember and celebrate her remarkable life, they do so with appreciation for the love, guidance, and example she set for all.

Though Celine Sanchez will be deeply missed, her memory will remain alive in the hearts of those who knew her and through the legacy of love and faith that she so generously shared.