Lorraine E. Sanchez

With very heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Lorraine “Lori” Eugenia Sanchez. She departed this life peacefully on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home.

Lorraine was born on Thursday, March 12, 1942, in Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico, to Eufelio and Adonelia Sanchez. She was raised in Taos, New Mexico, and in 2002 made her home in Los Lunas (Peralta), where she lived until her passing.

Lorraine was a woman of faith, strength, independence, and boundless love for her family and community. She was the cornerstone of her family and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her—as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, friend, business owner, and massage therapist.

Lorraine earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education from New Mexico Highlands University. She taught Business Education at Taos Junior High School, Taos High School, Northern New Mexico Community College, and later at her alma mater, New Mexico Highlands University. While teaching, she also ran a small gift and souvenir shop called Eugenia’s. After retiring from Taos Municipal Schools, Lorraine pursued a second career as a licensed massage therapist, opening The Gift of Touch Therapeutic Massage, where she provided healing and comfort—especially to her fellow educators.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eufelio and Adonelia Sanchez; her brothers Gilbert, Arthur, and Christopher Sanchez; brother-in-law Isaac Gonzales; and granddaughters Santana Cordova and Marisol Mondragon.

She is survived by her loving children: Leonard Mondragon (Carla), DiAne Archuleta (Edward), and Joyce Collins (Rodney); her grandchildren: Jules Pinzon (Osvaldo Rene), Santiago Cordova (Gabriela), Norene Day (Terrence), Elisha Thomas, LoriAnn Archuleta, Jondiego Archuleta, Joseph Dominguez, Estrella Dominguez, and Moises Mondragon; great-grandchildren: Anthony, James, Juliana, and Isaiah Pinzon; Zailynn and Zuriah Thomas; Ava and Rhodes Day; and baby Zeveyah Cordova expected soon. She also leaves behind great-great-granddaughter Aaliyah Pinzon; siblings Erlinda Gonzales, Virginia Ibarra (John), and Eddie Sanchez (Cheryl); sisters-in-law Lena Sanchez and Theresita Mascareñas; aunt Crucita Valencia and uncle Jessie (Josie) Sanchez; her special ahijados: Richard Mondragon, Charlene Austin, Jesse Arellano, David Branchal, Michael Sanchez and Glen Sanchez; seven nieces, eleven nephews, and countless extended family and dear friends.

Public Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 from 4pm to 5pm in the Evergreen Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. Rosary will be recited at 7pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on June 24, 2025. Mass of Christian burial will be on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 10:00 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic church, with burial to follow at the Sierra Vista Cemetery. 

The family of Lorraine “Lori” Eugenia Sanchez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com