Martha Sanchez

Martha "Marti" Sanchez passed from this life on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the age of 55. Martha died in her San Antonio home from breast cancer after a gallant 5 year battle. By her side were her loving and steadfast husband, Manny, and daughters Stephanie and Sara. Martha was born March 19, 1958 in Terre Haute, Indiana, the sixth of seven children, to Harry and Virginia Fields. She attended Montrose Elementary School, Sarah Scott Jr. High, and graduated from Terre Haute South Vigo High School in 1976. After high school, Martha attended Judson College in IL, but 2 years later had to interrupt her pursuit of a degree in child psychology for financial reasons. After working a year in a psychiatric facility, Martha left home and joined the military when she was 21. In the US Army, Martha continued her education in psychology and counseling. She became a Psychiatric Specialist and worked in this field throughout her military career. She served in the US Army for 20 years, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. Along the way, she was stationed in Denver, CO, where she met the love of her life, Manny. It was then on to Washington, DC where they married in 1982. Hawaii would make a great extended honeymoon, so that's where they headed off to next, and where their first daughter Stephanie was born in 1985. After completing an assignment at Ft. Ord, CA, her knowledge and innate abilities as a counselor and leader were recognized, and she was selected to be an instructor in the Psychiatric Specialist course at Ft. Sam Houston, in San Antonio, TX. It was here that their second daughter, Sara, was born in 1989. The family made another move to Ft. Polk LA, and then their final assignment at Landstuhl Army Medical Center in Germany. Not withstanding her many responsibilities as soldier, wife and mother, Martha continued to pursue a college degree throughout the years. Nineteen ninety nine proved to be a banner year: Martha received a long-sought Bachelor of Science degree in Management with special emphasis on Psychology & Sociology from the University of Maryland. And in July 1999, she retired from the United States Army. Martha, Manny and the girls returned to San Antonio where Martha's extensive knowledge, experience and her BSM degree earned her a position with the San Antonio based Ilex Corporation (later Genzyme) as a clinical research specialist. In 2004, Martha was promoted and worked as Director of Safety until 2011. In acknowledgement of her loyal service and many accomplishments, Genzyme continued to employ Martha at home until she formally retired in 2012. The Genzyme "family" was incredibly supportive throughout Martha's illness. While Martha always honored her professional responsibilities, the most important legacy in life were her 2 daughters and her husband. Her devotion to her family was without equal. In her last week, she rallied and was so proud to see her older daughter Stephanie marry Dave Gregg and her younger daughter Sarah graduate from college. The joy that she felt being able to share these two milestones with her girls brought her great peace.

Beyond her family, she was also a devoted friend, always there to help. Her cute little pixie smile belied the fact that she was able to manage everything. She was the ultimate organizer, and could be very persuasive with just "the look." In fact, she has already extracted promises from many who are here today to "Take care of Manny." She was "the director" to the end.

Martha accumulated a gaggle of close friends from her numerous workplaces, as well as the extracurricular Pig Roasters. To her many friends and family she was the glue that kept all things together. When friends came to visit and offer support, it was Martha who would be in the kitchen saying, "What can I fix for you sweetie?" We came to help, and instead, Martha pampered us.

We will miss you, Martha, but we know you are in a place where every BINGO card is a winner, and where all the cats you ever loved are there to greet you. Though you had very small feet, you have left giant shoes to fill.

Interment with Military Honors will be in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 10:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate).