Dionisia Leon Sanchez

Dionisia “Dena” Sanchez, 85, passed peacefully on 10/29/2023 at her home in Goodyear, AZ with her family by her side.

Born to Eva & Guadalupe Leon on 02/09/1938 in Tolleson AZ, Dena graduated nursing school in 1957 and spent the majority of her life in service to others. Kind, loving, and generous, she dedicated her life to enriching the lives of those around her, be it during her career in nursing, while supporting and caring for her family.

Dena was preceded in death by her husband James Sanchez, her parents Eva & Guadalupe Leon, and her siblings, Antonio Leon and Epifania Lujan, as well as step-children Mary Rose Carillo, and Alma Jane Lopez. She is survived and deeply missed by her daughter Maria Sanchez-West, her son-in-law Michael West, granddaughters Aleera & Ariana West, and siblings Guadalupe Leon Jr, Paulino Leon, Eleodoro Leon, Francisco Leon, Ruben Leon, Mary Alvarez, & Margarita Medrano, as well as her step-children Violet Hernandez, Linda Maldonado, and Jim Sanchez.

Daughter, Sister, Nurse, Wife, Mother, and Nana, Dena’s generous & loving spirit was felt by everyone she knew. Her infectious smile and inherent charm would instantly win over anyone she met, she greeted every stranger as if they were a dear old friend, and she never met a child she didn’t love. Dena was the embodiment of gentle strength, and all of our lives are forever improved by having known her.

She is missed as much as she is loved.