Elvira "Vera" Sisneros Sanchez

Second born to Sereriano U. and Altagracia Romero Sisneros on April 23, 1937, Elvira “Vera” Sisneros Sanchez, went home to be with Our Lord on April 24, 2024.  While growing up in Colonias and Santa Rosa, she helped her mother with her five younger siblings, helped with chores and kept up her A average grades, graduating from Santa Rosa High School in 1956, continuing her education at Highlands University.  She paused her education to marry her husband, Felipe (Phil) “Red” Sanchez in California on September 15, 1957.  When they returned to New Mexico, they were married by the Catholic Church on March 29, 1958.  They made their home in Santa Rosa and started their family: Phyllis, Billy, Phil, Grace and Kim.

While raising her children, she worked numerous businesses in Santa Rosa.  In the late 70’s, along with her parents and her daughter Kim, they opened “Kandis” Rolling Pin Pastry House, eventually closing their doors in few years later.  Being a firm believer in education and always wanting to learn, she continued her education, going to UNM and graduating from Highlands University, cum laude, majoring in Fine Arts and minor in Secondary Education.  She taught at Santa Rosa Consolidated Schools as well as substitute teacher well into her 80”s.  She taught Culinary Arts beginning the satellite program for Luna Vocational Technical Institute in Santa Rosa.  She then went to teach Culinary Arts in the Las Vegas Main Campus, where she retired.   She also worked the election polls beginning in the 1960’s and stopped at the age of 85.

Vera had lots of hobbies; knitting, crocheting, sewing, making jewelry, as well as doing woodwork, making bunk beds for two of her grandchildren and other items, loved to draw, paint with oils and pastels, and sculpting with bronze.  In her spare time, she liked to do crossword puzzles and Find-a-Word puzzles as well as watch Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Perry Mason reruns on TV.   She was also a big sports fan.   Her favorite NFL team was the Broncos.   She was always a big fan of the Santa Rosa Lions going to the games and cheering them on.  Always congratulating the players when teaching at school or having inspiring words to them if they lost.  She was an excellent cook (chef de cuisine) and baker, some of her many talents.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Felipe (Phil) “Red” Sanchez, Jr. in 2021, her parents, Severiano U. and Altagracia Romero Sisneros, in-laws, Felipe L. Sanchez, Sr. and Frances Giddings Sanchez, sisters-in-law: Mary Fisher, Stella Sanchez, Frances Garcia, brothers: Joe M. Sisneros, Antonio Sisneros, sister: Zenaida Bridges, granddaughter, Mariah Sanchez and son-in-law: Michael D. Sanchez.

Survivors include her children, Phyllis J. Giddings Gonzales (Manuel), William B. “Billy” Sanchez, all of Amarillo, TX, Phillip L. Sanchez (Veronica), Lisa Grace Romero (Louie) and Kimberly A. Sanchez, all of Santa Rosa.  Grandchildren: Bronson Sanchez, Claudia (Israel) Hernandez, Billy Ray Sanchez, Janice (Jon) Outhuijse, Felipe L. Sanchez, IV, Jessica Romero, Louise (Bobby) Villanueva, Louie Romero, Jr., Roberta Romero, Kristi Sanchez (Dan), Laura Hall (Dustin) and Dylan Sanchez.  Siblings: Severiano R. “Kard” (Fidelia) Sisneros, Esperanza “Hope” Sisneros and Tomas (Margie) Sisneros, along with a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, friends and relatives.  

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, April 26, 2024, from 2-6PM at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 27, 2024, beginning at 9AM at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa.   The service will be celebrated by Fr. Moses Nwankwo.

Interment will follow at Saint Rose of Lima Cemetery, with Bronson Sanchez, Sean Sanchez, Claudia Hernandez, Felipe Sanchez, IV, Alyssa Villanueva, Joaquin Lopez, Jykub Gage and Maddox Lucero, serving at Pallbearers.

Honorary Pallbearers are special grandson Dylan Sanchez, Kristi Sanchez, Erik Lopez and the rest of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She will be greatly missed!

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.   575-472-3369.  To place an online condolence or tribute, kindly visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.