Ema "Gloria" Sanchez

“Laugh, for the time is brief…”

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Ema “Gloria” Sanchez, who passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the age of 91. Born in 1934 in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, Gloria was the fourth of six children born to Juan Pablo and Rosabel Torres Valerio.

Gloria was what one might call "a card"—in other words, quite the character. She had a casual elegance, was graceful, warm, and disarming, making friends and accumulating honorary family wherever she went. She was funny and fun to be around. Her sharp-mind and quick-wit could brighten up even the dullest moments, and bring laughter to help endure the tough ones. Gloria had a real flair for storytelling, and time spent with her was often filled with stories of childhood mischief and adventures of what we now consider “simpler times”; of the times when she, as a toddler, accompanied her father to pick pinon and he would put her in a sack and hang the sack on a tree branch to keep her safe from rattlesnakes. She would tell how she and her siblings picked cherries in their Llano Quemado orchard to raise money to buy milk-nickels that literally cost a nickel; or stories of when she met her future husband William “Bill” Sanchez when he stopped by to sell peaches to her family.

Gloria and Bill were married on September 15, 1956, and spent the nearly 70 years that followed, side-by-side in love and commitment. They spent the early years of their marriage living in Los Angeles where Gloria worked for the Pacific Fire Rating Bureau. They returned to Embudo, New Mexico, in 1969 where they built the home that Gloria cherished. She was meticulous and spent the years making it warm and welcoming to all who visited.

Their life was rooted in simplicity, living close to the land, and surrounded by a close-knit-community. Gloria worked as a substitute teacher in Velarde for many years, amassing a legion of tiny fans, many of whom would still stop to thank her when they happened to see her around town. Together, Gloria and Bill were Padrinos to many and the go-to leaders of The Marcha for countless weddings.

An avid gardener, Gloria was happiest in her garden, where she spent long hours tending to everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and trees. Luckily for her friends and family, her thoughtful nature meant she was always happy to share. And, in true Gloria fashion, generously gifted baskets of produce left at your door always included a whimsical little note stating “Kilroy was here!” When she and Bill weren’t in the garden, at church, or visiting with friends and family, they enjoyed watching their favorite novelas, going camping, or simply relaxing under their gazebo.

Gloria was resourceful, stubborn, and scrappy, which helped her face life’s challenges head-on. But, above all, she was devout—devoted to her loved ones and to her faith. She left an indelible mark on all who knew and loved her, and we will miss her so much.

Gloria is lovingly survived by her devoted husband William Tito Sanchez; her sister Quirina Des Georges (Lewis) of Taos, NM; brothers-in-law John Sanchez (Rosie) of Yorba Linda, CA, Frank Sanchez (Helen) of Embudo, NM, Tom Sanchez (Anita) of Rio Rancho, NM, Rosendo Sanchez of Arroyo Seco, NM, and Augustine “Tiny” Sanchez (Pearl) of Albuquerque, NM; along with sisters-in-law Anita Valerio and Domitila Valerio. Her cherished niece Dolores Valerio provided loving care right until her passing, alongside Rose Des Georges (Joe Becker), whom Gloria lovingly regarded as a daughter. Additionally, dear friends, including Elmo Valdez, and those who affectionately called her “mom,” such as Bobby Salazar and his wife Elsie of Velarde, NM, and Jose Valdez and partner Frances Archuleta of Velarde, NM, as well as countless nieces, nephews, and friends, who will hold her memory dear.

Welcomed into eternal rest, Gloria rejoins her parents, Juan Pablo and Rosabel Torres Valerio; her father and mother-in-law Guillermo and Irene “Nene” Sanchez of Embudo, NM; her brothers Refugio Valerio (Anita), Solomon Valerio (Domitila), Ruben Valerio and wife Jackie; her sister Teodora Garcia and husband Telesforo; her sister-in-law Rebecca “Becky” Sanchez; her special nephew David Sanchez and her treasured friend Wayne Brito, whom she loved as a son.

In tribute to Gloria's remarkable life, services will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Dixon, New Mexico, on August 21, 2025. A rosary will commence at 10:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. These arrangements are lovingly attended to by the compassionate team at Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers from Mountain Home Healthcare and Hospice—Gloria Ann McClellan, Miriam Roe, and Hospice Nurse Donna Cappadonia—for their diligent and compassionate care of our beloved Gloria. In her memory we hold her spirit close and celebrate the warmth and joy she brought to our lives.