Delfina "Fina" Sanchez Johnson, On Wednesday, August 31, 2011, our beloved angel on earth went home to heaven after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. Fina leaves behind a legacy of strong faith, love, and inspiration. Her devotion to prayer was unwavering. She enjoyed gardening, music, and family celebrations. Fina loved to prepare amazing meals for family and friends; she was an Iron Chef in her own right. Most of all, she loved everyone that had the privilege of meeting her. Fina was born to Juan O. and Guadalupe N. Gomez in San Miguel , New Mexico on December 24, 1925. She lost her mother at a very young age and assisted in raising her younger siblings. In May of 1941, she married Alfredo "Felo" Diaz Sanchez at San Albino Church in Mesilla , New Mexico . Together they lovingly raised twelve children until 1974 when Felo passed away. After his passing, Fina went to work for and retired from Las Cruces Public Schools as a cafeteria worker. She married Hezekiah "Smokey" Johnson in 1985. Smokey passed away in May of 2010. Fina was also preceded in death by a son, Sal Sanchez and a daughter, Victoria "Vickie" Donatelli. Survivors include sons Tony Sanchez (Sara), El Paso, Texas; Lalo Sanchez (Estela), Albuquerque; Felix Sanchez, Stockton, California; Mike Sanchez (Pauline) and Sylvestre "Silver" Sanchez of Las Cruces; and Rick Flair of Los Angeles, California; daughters: Angelina "Angie" Contreras (Pat), El Paso, Texas; Katie Whitman, Calabasas, California; Petra Sanchez, Dallas, Texas; Spring Amendola (Bill) and Pauline Chavez (Eddie) of Las Cruces; and Robyn Finn (Ian) of San Pedro, California. Daughter-in-law, Charlotte Sanchez of Las Cruces, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, many loving nieces and nephews, brothers Johnny Gomez, Las Cruces; Efren Gomez (Esperanza), Albuquerque; Gus Gomez (Joyce), Sacramento, California; and sisters: Maria Cortez, Albuquerque; and Sarah Sanchez (Johnny) of Las Cruces.
Public visitation will begin on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 6:00 P.M. at San Albino Catholic Church with a rosary to begin at 7:00 P.M., Funeral service will be at San Albino Church on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. with interment to follow at San Albino Cemetery following service. Pallbearers will be; Efren Gomez, Javier Chavez, Robert Ruiz, Tony Sanchez, Jr., Steven and Joseph Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers; Skeeter Giron, Jack Whitman, Freddie Sanchez, Sal Sanchez, Jr., Andrew Contreras, and Adam and Angelo Donatelli. I