Antonia was born June 27, 1934 in Chihuahua, Mexico to Manuel and Aurelia Sanchez. She married David Tarin in 1961 and moved to California. In 1962 they were blessed with a son, Jose, who they raised together in El Monte.
Antonia began her sewing career in Mexico, and in 1971, she earned a Designated Subjects Credential from the State of California. This achievement opened the door to a fulfilling 54-year career as a sewing teacher in the El Monte and Montebello School Districts. Teaching was more than a profession for Antonia; it was her passion. She recognized the gifts, talents, and potential in her students and helped them discover, develop, and use their strengths to create opportunities for themselves. Her greatest legacy was not simply what she accomplished for herself, but the doors she opened for others. She lifted women up, encouraged them to believe in their abilities, and inspired them to reach their full potential.
Although her work was very important to her, Antonia's greatest priority was always her family. She and David never hesitated to make sacrifices or take on extra work to ensure their son had every opportunity to succeed. She was especially proud that they were able to provide for Jose's education, allowing him to graduate with an engineering degree from Cal Poly Pomona. Antonia felt truly blessed to welcome grandchildren and, later, great-granddaughters into her life. Her love of gardening was evident to everyone who visited her home, where personal touches could be found throughout her beautiful and lovingly tended yard.
Antonia will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, infectious laughter, love of family and friends, dedication to teaching, and deep faith. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, encouragement, hard work, and the countless lives she touched along the way.
Antonia is survived by her son Jose (Dawn) Tarin, grandchildren Beth (Nick) Quintanilla and Michael Tarin, and her great-granddaughters Camden and Brooklyn.
She is preceded in death by her husband David, parents Manuel and Aurelia Sanchez, and siblings Aurelia, Josefina, Abel, and Severo.
The Rosary/Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 5:00 pm at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in San Gabriel. Followed by a mass on Friday, November 20,
2026 at 10:30 am at St. Luke Catholic Church in Temple City. A Celebration of Life will be held at El Sombrero Restaurant in El Monte.
