Longtime Gilroy resident Emily Sanchez lost her long battle with diabetes on Thursday, August 21, 2008. She passed away in Gilroy, surrounded by her loving family.
Born Emilia Montoya on May 2, 1929 in Ventura, CA, Emily moved with her hardworking, immigrant parents to San Jose as a young girl, and lived what many people would call “a dream life.” As teenagers, Emily and her three sisters formed a local singing group known as the Montoya Sisters. They went on to national acclaim as RCA Recording Artists, touring the world with such artists as Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstine, Celia Cruz, and the “Mambo King” Perez Prado. The Montoya Sisters performed for world leaders, including Prince Rainier of Monaco and King Farouk of Egypt.
In 1957, Emily left the world of entertainment to marry Al Sanchez, an ambitious young car salesman from San Jose. He opened Al Sanchez Volkswagen/Mazda/Jeep in Gilroy in 1968, and in 1977, they moved the family to the Garlic Capital of the World. Emily and Al hosted wonderful parties in their home and traveled the world together, until Al’s passing in 2000. Now together again, we know Al was waiting for the first dance with the love of his life.
Emily Sanchez is survived by her children, Kathy Caginia (Butch), Mark Sanchez (Mary), and Adam Sanchez (Natalie), all of Gilroy. Also deeply missing their Nana are her treasured grandchildren: Allison, Ashley, Albert, Maria, Anna, Emily, and Katherine.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy. A Catholic mass is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Gilroy. Burial will follow at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park. For questions regarding the arrangements, please call the funeral home at 408-847-4040. Donations in remembrance of Emily may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
