Andrea Garcia Sanchez, 56, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident passed away at her home on Friday, July 7, 2006 following a battle with cancer.
She was born on February 7, 1950 in Mexico, the daughter of Pedro & Leonore Garcia.
In the early 1960’s the family immigrated to Texas, shortly after moving to the Wapato area in the Yakima Valley in Eastern Washington where Andrea was raised and attended school. She then attended Washington State University for a while.
In 1971 she was united in marriage to Jesse Sanchez in Wapato and they moved to the Skagit Valley, making their home in Sedro-Woolley.
Andrea considered an education very important and she attended Skagit Valley College, Western Washington State University and the University of Washington.
She worked at the Department of Social & Health Services in Mount Vernon for over 20 years as a clerk and after retiring from there worked as a substance abuse councilor at Pioneer Center North in Sedro-Woolley for 3 years until her health forced her retirement.
Andrea was an avid bingo player, frequently going to bingo games at the Swinomish Casino, a big Mariners Baseball fan and an enormous supporter of her family.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Jesse, at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. Her son, Michael Sanchez; daughter, Jessica Sanchez and her grandson, Cory Mercado all of Sedro-Woolley. Her father, Pedro Garcia of Wapato, WA and numerous brothers, sisters and extended family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Leonore Garcia and 2 sisters.
The family suggest memorials be made to North Puget Oncology at either United General Hospital or Skagit Valley Hospital.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 2:00 pm at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Mr. David Whittaker officiating.