Bernie M. Sanchez

Maria Bernardita (Bernie) Madrid Sanchez, age 86, passed away November 15, 2020 at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center following an illness. Bernie was born September 12, 1934 in the small village of Colonias, New Mexico, to the home of Eulalio and Amada Madrid. She married Jose Vicente (Joe V.) Sanchez on November 27, 1954 in Santa Rosa, NM. Bernie graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1952 and held positions at various restaurants throughout her early marriage. Upon the birth of her first child, she became a full-time homemaker until she and her husband became proprietors of the Rio Bar in the summer of 1973 where she then helped run the business. She made a run for County Treasurer in the mid-seventies, and though unsuccessful she enjoyed the opportunity to dive into politics and hear the concerns of her fellow citizens. A member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where she was active in the Catholic Daughters Court 2276, Bernie was a devout Catholic all her life. She was a marvelous cook who loved to feed her family whether it be during their lunch break or after Sunday mass. She was known for her wonderful Spanish food, especially her famous natillas. Everyone looked forward to eating at Bernie’s house and she always had plenty to go around. She had a gift for making the smallest bowl feed the largest group of people. She loved an occasional trip to the casino, but never wanted to be away from home for too long. Bernie loved family gatherings and holidays, especially Thanksgiving, because it brought her family together. Above all, she had a very special love for her grandchildren and enjoyed attending their many sporting events and music recitals. Bernie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jose V. Sanchez, her infant sister Catalina, her brothers Ventura and Robert Madrid, her sister and brother-in-law Helen and Floyd Padilla, her brother-in-law Billy Garnand, her son-in-law Joey Cave, and her granddaughter Naomi Romero. She is survived by her children: Ernest Sanchez and wife Julie of Santa Rosa, Michael Sanchez and wife Lucille of Sandia Park, David Sanchez and wife Sandy of Santa Rosa, Roberta Ariaz of Corrales, Janice Cave of Santa Rosa, Christopher Sanchez and Steve Martinez of Albuquerque, Andrew Sanchez and wife Maxine of Santa Rosa, Paul Sanchez and wife Leslie of Santa Rosa. Also surviving are her sisters Viola Garnand, Prudy Aragon and husband Casey, both of Albuquerque, and Christine Martinez and husband Sam of Santa Rosa. She is also survived by her 17 grandchildren: Jordan and Noah Sanchez, Amber Miera, Aaron Martinez, Brian Sanchez and wife Laura, Loretta Sanchez and fiancé Daniel, Danielle Sanchez (Joseph), Aidyn Ariaz, Josh Cave and wife Billie, Johnathan Cave, Nathan, Stephen, Andrea, and Miranda Sanchez, Chris (CJ) Farinias Jr., Richie and Jaelyn Sanchez; as well as her 13 great-grandchildren: Dezare, Layla, and Joseph Jaro, Thiago Martinez, Mia Sanchez, Joey and Reece Cave, Kayla, Anthony, and Ayla Cave, Andres Romero, Cris III, Adrian, and Naomi Farinias, and Baby Sanchez on the way. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Josh Cave, Nathan Sanchez, Richie Sanchez, Stephen Sanchez, Noah Sanchez, Loretta Sanchez, and Danielle Sanchez. Honorary Pallbearers will be her remaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks for the outpouring of love, support, and the many prayers from all those who knew and loved Bernie. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services will be reserved to immediate family, but we hope to have a large celebration of life when it is safe to do so. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Social Distancing guidelines, services will be private and limited to the immediate family. We ask that you keep Bernie and her family in your prayers. You may leave a tribute, a favorite memory, or sign the online guestbook. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com. To access the virtual services for Bernie Sanchez, please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/memoryofberniesanchez/ Log in or create a Facebook account to view a livestream of the Rosary, Funeral Mass and burial.