Mary Beatrice (Betty) Sanchez , 94, passed away at her home on March 07, 2026.  A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she spent her life lovingly committed to the family she cherished which was her greatest joy in life.

After raising her two children, Betty returned to school, earning her bachelor's and Master's Degrees at Arizona State University. She taught English and math to generations of students at Roosevelt School. Her intelligence, discipline, patience and dedication left a legacy as a strict and beloved teacher who was often heard saying, "When you come to my class, you are going to learn."

Betty was known for her generous spirit and commitment to service. She volunteered countless hours to Arizona including serving on the Arizona Committee for the National Education Association as a counselor at Arizona Girls State and locally, as lector at St. Francis of Assisi Church, the VFW Auxiliary and many various community events, where she gave her time freely to the community she loved.

In her spare time, Betty was an amazing seamstress and crocheted and knitted beautifully, creating treasured handmade gifts for her children and grandchildren, and also loved to golf, where she and her husband spent most of their mornings teeing off at the crack of dawn.

Betty is survived by her husband of 76 years, Manuel G. Sanchez Jr., Son Manuel "Punky" Sanchez and daughter Jacqueline (Sanchez) Alonzo. Grandchildren Aaryn (Santino) Colosimo, Ryan Alonzo, Lena (Ryan) Spotleson, Lauren Alonzo, Tyler Sanchez and great-grandchildren Shay Colosimo, Steel Colosimo, Logan Sanchez and Lincoln Sanchez.

Betty's kindness, intelligence, faith, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.