Sally Marie Sanchez

Sally Marie Sanchez, 85, of Carpinteria, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, in Santa Barbara. Born on February 26, 1940, at Cottage Hospital to Enrique and Josephina Mendoza, Sally grew up in Santa Barbara surrounded by her five sisters and two brothers. She attended local schools from elementary through high school and was a proud Santa Barbara Don. Sally often reminisced about her childhood—filled with family gatherings, celebrations, and Fiesta traditions—memories she cherished throughout her life. In 1961, Sally married the love of her life, Ernie Sanchez. In 1968, they settled in Carpinteria, where they raised their three children—John, Paul, and Suzanne. Together, Sally and Ernie built a life centered around faith, family, and community. Their home was a warm and welcoming place, alive with traditions, celebrations, and the joy of being surrounded by many relatives and close friends. Sally and Ernie loved to dance and enjoyed any opportunity to share that joy together at family gatherings, weddings, or community events. Sally was creative and curious by nature. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, and art classes, and she loved taking adult education courses whenever something captured her interest. Faith and service were central to her life, and she and Ernie took great joy in contributing to the St. Joseph’s Carnival each year as well as serving as Eucharistic Ministers. The couple was active, often seen walking around town in the early morning hours and evenings. Sally worked for many years as a teacher’s aide at Canalino School, a job she loved deeply. Later, she cared for several special families in Montecito as a devoted caregiver, forming lasting relationships that she treasured. Upon retirement, Sally and Ernie devoted their time to their greatest joy—family. They rarely missed a grandchild’s activity, sporting event, or school function, attending faithfully unless off traveling in their trailer. Traditions such as making Christmas tamales, holiday baking, and family meals were the heart of her home. Sally was also a loyal Dodgers fan who loved watching games and discussing every play. Sally is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernie Sanchez; her great-granddaughter, Harley Jade Millhollin; her parents, Enrique and Josephina Mendoza; her sisters Henrietta Mendoza, Delphina Marquez, and Lolly Gomez; and her brothers Mike Mendoza and Rafael Mendoza. She is survived by her children: John Sanchez (Polly), Paul Sanchez (Michelle), and Suzie Millhollin (Keith); her grandchildren: Andrew Millhollin (Lizette), Ivan Millhollin, Kyle Millhollin, Anthony Sanchez (Brett), Daniel “Mo” Sanchez, Monique Moscoso (Joel), Alix Quiroga (Ryan), Briana Sanchez, and David Tovar; her great-grandchildren: Zoey and Sienna Millhollin, Luciana, Nico and Camila Quiroga, and Pierce Sanchez; her sisters Esper Mendoza and Lupe Lugo (Smiley); and a large extended family including many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Gran Vida, Mission Park, and VNA Hospice for their exceptional care and support during difficult times. They also extend their thanks to Wanda Alonzo and the dedicated group of caregivers she organized, who cared so lovingly for Sally in her home, and to Dr. Robert Byers for his many years of excellent care for both Sally and Ernie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Association of Santa Barbara, Friendship Center, or EasyLift Transportation. In honoring Sally’s wishes a private cemetery service will be held at a later date. The family takes comfort in knowing Sally and Ernie are together again. Get your dancing shoes ready Dad. Thank you, Mom, for Tamale Day, spice cookies, the faith you lived by and for keeping our family close. Go Dodgers!

Sally Marie Sanchez

February 26, 1940 - November 15, 2025