Mary Helen Sanchez Willis was born in Baton Rouge, LA, on June 8, 1949, to the late Helen and Ernest Sanchez Sr. A longtime resident of Sunshine, LA, she passed away on December 21, 2025, at age 76. Mary was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church and the Ladies Altar Society, and she never missed her daily Rosary prayer. As a homemaker, Mary cherished her days cooking, gardening, and caring for others. She is survived by her sons, Timothy Spillman, Bradley Spillman (Billie), Douglas Gallagher, Scott Gallagher (Adrianne), and Michael Knapps; brother, Ernest Sanchez Jr (Teresa); and her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dalton Willis; and brother, Larry Sanchez. A memorial service for Mary will be held on Monday, December 29th, 2025, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church at 11 am, conducted by Father Albert Blount.
