Petra Z. Sanchez - aka: "Muneca" "Changa" "Nani" died peacefully surrounded by family on July 15, 2023. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leobardo G. Sanchez. She is survived by daughters, Anna, Laura, Silvia, Maggie; her sons, Leo Jr. and Jesus; grandchildren, Maggie, Leticia, Angelica, Clarisa, Arturo, Nicole, Phillip, Gabriel, Liam; great-grandchildren, Bella, Leo, Mari, Tonio, Noah, Esteban and 1 cooking.

She was born in 1944 in Agua Prieta, Sonora MX. A larger portion of her young life was spent in Naco, Sonora. After marriage and kids she lived a few years with her family in Bisbee, AZ and then settled in Tucson, AZ in the early 80's. In the late 80's the family lived in Carson City, NV for several years and then returned to Tucson to live out the remainder of her life.

Petra was a stay-at-home wife and mom for a large portion of her life. She did work part time in restaurants, warehouses, and housekeeping. But what she was really known for was cooking!!  Her enchiladas were the out of this world. When young, her kids were never in need of a hot homemade tortilla. She was always happy to make a meal for someone's birthday. It's remarkable how she taught her kids to cook, clean, and run an efficient kitchen. Her recipes will live on.

Petra was a hard working-woman who had health problems a large portion of her life. She had debilitating rheumatoid arthritis which she found a way to work around in her younger years. She was diagnosed with oral cancer earlier this year. She survived the surgery and had brutal radiation therapy and yet was determined to survive. She showed incredible fortitude and perseverance witnessed by all the family during this time. Petra's 6 children helped care for her at home and rotated turns to take her to appointments, treatments, and therapies, including staying multiple nights in the hospital with her. Her loved ones learned about nourishment, medication, and the use of medical devices all while trying to lift her spirits. At times this was trying, but the family feels like this was no burden, and what better way to honor the 5th commandment than to give Petra the best care and attention possible. Moreover, for those witnessing these acts it should be known that there is nothing more full circle and beautiful in the world than an offspring taking loving care of a mother. May God smile upon Petra's 6 children who with her endured end of life trials.

Together with grandchildren, friends, and extended family we publicly thank Nani for the beautiful unconditional love she gave and for setting an upmost and righteous example for loving and praising God. She wants us to be forgiving and unselfish. She wants us all to know that no struggle is too tough. She wants us to be grateful and take care of who and what we have. She wants her kids to always remain united and loving; thanks to her, we will.