Martha S. Sanchez of Gilroy, CA passed from this earth on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007, following a lengthy illness. Vincent E. Sanchez, her husband of 59 years, lovingly remained by her side. Martha is survived by her husband, Vincent, sisters-in-law Wilma Kunkel of Petaluma, Lupe Sanchez and Carmen Sanchez of Gilroy, in addition to her four children: Diana McDonald (son-in-law, Bob) of San Jose, Carole Knapel of Eugene, Oregon, Gary and Steven of Gilroy. Martha was a loving grandmother of eight, great-grandmother of five and aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.
Martha was born on August 12, 1920, in Fifield, WI, to the late Samuel and Lydia Kunkel. A brother, the late Victor Kunkel, completed the Kunkel family in 1922. (Sadly, Victor succumbed to a lengthy illness on February 9, 2007.) The Kunkel family moved to the San Martin area in 1937. Martha was employed at the Busy Bee Cafe, trained at Sullivan Beauty College and was subsequently employed at Mary’s Beauty Salon. Mary’s brother, Vincent, set his sites on the lovely redhead, and the rest is history. Martha devoted her married life to the care of her husband and children. At the end of her days she continued to maintain her devotion to her family and her sharp wit; even learning to use a computer to e-mail her children, grandchildren, and relatives in Germany. She was a meticulous seamstress and shared her talents freely. Martha’s knack for gathering family and friends will be sorely missed.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 10th, 11:00 A.M., at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1735 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy, CA 95020. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Martha’s name to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
