Sanchez, Bertha B. 93 of Tucson left us July 2nd 2026 to join her viejito Frank "Vicko" Sanchez Jr. to continue their eternal journey of loving and laughing together. We were lucky to see them do this all the time when we were growing up. She was ready to be with him again and we all knew that...so with that thought we are at peace and happy for them.

She was an incredible Mom to 10 children and their families who loved her with everything they had.

Louis (Margaret) Sanchez, GD: Kalasea (Paul) Fernandez, GGD: Macey Fernandez, GS: Ian Sanchez

Ana Marie Valentine "Sita" (Keith) Ames

Agnes "Guera" (Gordon) Phegley, GD: Andrea Padias, Ariana (Anthony) Rico, GGD: Isabel "Isa" and Isla Rico

Frank "Pancho" Sanchez III

Margie Sanchez (D), GS: Tony Segura, GGS: Traesaun Segura, GGD: Syniah Segura, GD: Jenny Segura, 

John (Maria) Sanchez

Julie (Arturo "Tudie") Padilla, GS: Manuel A Sanchez, Arturo Francisco (Augustina) Padilla

Michael Angel Sanchez (D), GD: Brittany (Kasey) Miller

Richard Edmund "Bo" (Lisa) Sanchez

Armando "Mando" Joseph Sanchez

Surviving Sister: Evelyn (Sonny) Polanco and many nieces & nephews.

Special thanks to everyone at Devon Gables and Bristol Hospice for helping Mom get through her final journey with their grace and kindness. It was a joy to see how much they really enjoyed taking care of her and us. We felt safe knowing she was in their hands when we could not be there.

Celebration of a beautiful life on July 18, 2026.

(Felicita) Bertha Bustamante (B) Sanchez passed away on July 2, 2026, after completing her final journey at Devon Gables, where she made new friends, said hello to everyone, spanked a few nurses on the rear, and gave everyone the finger (to check her blood of course).

Bertha was born in Tucson, Arizona on November 20, 1932. She lived at 32 West Alameda on the corner of where the downtown public library now stands. The family moved on to live on South 9th behind Southgate.

Mom met Dad (Vicko) and the adventures began. They married on August 24, 1952. That was the year she was supposed to walk with her graduating class from Tucson High School. Instead of walking with her graduating class, she walked down the aisle with the love of her life. Inseparable until he passed on July 18, 1991.

Mom’s wish to walk with her graduating class came to pass when her grandson, Arturo, graduated in 2019. With the dedication and love of her grandson and the help of Tucson High Administration, Mom was able to walk with the Tucson High graduating class that year. The procession took a little longer than normal, as mom had to stop and wave, and say hello to everyone as they walked to their seats.

Mom and dad lived on Rosales Street downtown with dad’s parents, Frank S. and Theodora Sanchez, until 1963 when they moved to their forever home on Westmoreland!! Right on the bus line!! And so, her adventures in Menlo Park began or should we say continued.

Every child, all ten of us, every grandchild, every great grandchild, and many other children that were lucky enough to walk into her life, learned to ride the bus. Mom took them everywhere. To Valley Bank, to Mr. Perri’s, to Woolworths, Walgreens, Thrifty’s for ice cream, to the print shop to make copies of pictures, or newspaper articles, that she thought were interesting that she shared with her siblings, her kids, her friends. They stopped at the County PD’s Office, the Federal PD’s office, not because she was in trouble, nor because I once worked there, but because she made friends there. Mom followed her kids’ friends, to wherever they were when they changed jobs. As long as the bus had a stop!! Downtown Tucson was not her limited journey; mom traveled all over Tucson. On the bus. When a new route opened, she would hop on and take a ride! She needed to see where it would go. Anyone could call her to ask, “what bus do I take?” Sun Tran should have employed her, but she had no time. She once asked Mayor Walkup for a free lifetime pass as she had been riding the bus since she was 13. He laughed. Due to her adventures, her kids and grandkids also made friends with everyone she introduced them too. And we all became social butterflies, just like mom.

Mom never turned down an invitation to help or go somewhere. She volunteered at many churches, fiestas, at the Fox Theater – one of her favorite places, at St. Mary’s Hospital, at El Dia de San Juan, school events, any event. There are too many adventures to name. She went to every funeral, sometimes on the bus, or she got a ride. One day she came home in the hearse, but she told the driver she didn’t want to ride in the back! She wasn’t ready.

If you gave mom a ride, if you took mom to a party, if you attended an event with her at one of the many functions she attended, thank you. To everyone that touched mom’s life, thank you.

We all shared something different with mom. We all took care of mom in our own way. She loved it all. She loved softball, she loved baseball (huge Diamondbacks fan), she loved her soaps, dancing, music, tapping her feet, and feeding people her famous beans.

We all had a special place in mom’s heart. And it was a big heart because it wasn’t just for her family!! She loved her siblings, she loved her comadres and compadres, her friends, her children’s friends, her neighbors, the bus drivers, the mortuary guys. Mom loved her community. She loved to go!! For mom there are no strangers! Mom just loved everyone.

We give Special Thanks to Eileen, mija, you loved mom like your mom!! And even though mom said, “aye, she’s so loud!!” Mom loved you too. You have sweet memories of Zoomba, and your trips to the store, and to the shrine El Senor de Los Milagros, and all the shared adventures you went on.

Mom received a lot of love, attention, and excellent care from all the staff at Devon Gables.

Special thanks to: Fran, Heather, Miranda, Paula, Angela, Danana, there are both Maria’s, and both Nancy’s, Lisa, Brenda, Pearl, Rad, Stephanie, Rene, Paola, Rachel, Yuri, Paul, Lisa, Noe and Clive. Thank you to all the staff that knew mom, that met mom, that shared in mom’s smile and sense of humor.

To Bristol Hospice, Irma, Rocky. Kimberly! We cannot thank you enough for the gentle care and laughs you shared with mom.

To everyone who was touched by mom’s love, sense of humor, and kindness. Thank you. There are so many names to mention. But you all matter and you know you held a special place in mom’s heart.

In the morning when you wake, remember to say, “Good Morning!! How was your night?”

Think of mom, smile, and be kind to everyone – especially your family.

*If you have an adventure, special place, or a picture, that you shared with mom, please add it to the guest book.

Mom’s Creed

Dear Beloved Saints

All of you are my friends in Heaven.

You guide me, you help me in my earthly journey.

As I live my life today, help me in my life today, help me in my daily activities and direct me spiritually so I can know and understand

God’s plan for me.

Give me grace and strength

to assist those in need. Help me to care for those who need care.

Seek the Lord’s blessings for me, so that I may experience God’s love and goodness as you did, despite all the challenges and obstacles in daily life.

Ask God to grant me the courage and determination to always do what is right for me and my family and those closest to me.

Please hear my petitions and intercede for my special intentions before our loving Lord.

Amen

Mom’s Faith Shined Within Her.

BBS 7/2/2019