Maria "Cuca" Del Refugio Sanchez

With great sadness, we share the passing of our mother, Mary "Cuca" Sanchez, 83, of El Paso, Texas, who passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. She was born in Juarez, Mexico, to Tereso Avila and Estefana Duran Avila on July 4, 1943, and grew up surrounded by a home full of family, good home cooking, and love.

Mary was a woman of striking beauty, vibrant presence, and deep grace. She lived her life defined by the warmth she shared and the strong bonds of love she cultivated across her entire family.

A deeply devoted daughter and sister, Mary’s greatest joy was found in her family. Her devotion extended above all to her children and her beloved grandchildren, who were the center of her heart. To her many siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family, she was a constant source of affection, connection, and light. Her legacy lives on in the deep love she gave so freely and the unforgettable warmth she brought into every room.

She is survived by her children, Charlie and Cynthia; her grandchildren, Charlie, Karime, Giovanna, Noelle, Ava Bella and Issabella; Her siblings: Tereso Avila (Sally), Dario Avila (and his late wife Amalia), Andres Avila (and his late wife Irma), Lorenzo Avila (Rosa), Jose Avila (Elvia), Richard Avila, and Dora Avila (Javier).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tereso and Estefana; her brother, Jesus “Maco” Avila; and her sisters, Guadalupe Villagran and Francisca Avila.

Though our hearts are heavy with her absence, we take comfort in knowing she is peacefully reunited with those who went before her, embraced in eternal love

Visitation will be held at 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm followed by a Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm on Wednesday September 2, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home - East.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am at Santo Niño De Atocha Church followed by a graveside service at 12:00 pm, at Mount Carmel Cemetery on Thursday September 3, 2026.