Erika G. Sanchez

Erika Gendorf Sanchez, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend passed away in her home in Mesa, Arizona on March 5th, 2025, at the age of 74. 

Born July 7th, 1950, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, she emigrated with her family to the United States in 1958.  She graduated from Utah's East High School in 1968 and married her ex-husband, William, in 1969.  Settling in Arizona in 1972, she quickly made it her home, surrounding herself and her family with dedicated friends.  

Erika was a social worker for the state of Arizona for over 25 years, working with the disabled and seniors - ensuring they had the care and resources they needed in order to thrive.  She took great joy in her work and loved what she did.  Standing at just 4'10, she had a unique ability to connect with children - of course, wearing Disney themed light up shoes helped quite a bit.  Erika had an overwhelmingly big heart, offering her arms, her home, her time and her energy to anyone who needed it; she was called mom by many.

Her favorite thing to do was be with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Erika loved teaching them how to cook, play board games, and taught them to be ruthless in Backgammon, Rummy and Gin Rummy.  Erika loved gladiolas, the color blue, seashells, hummingbirds, and a strong margarita.

Erika is preceded in death by her parents, Ingeborg and Erich Gendorf, and her brother, Alfred Gendorf.  She is survived by her loving children Jennifer, Sean, Melissa, and Alora Alexandra.  She also leaves behind her grandchildren:  Jaclyn Rutchik, Hannah and Nathan Levin, Collin Sanchez, Isabella, Eloisa, Esmerelda, and Alejandro Santistevan, and her two great-grandchildren, Kaley and Olivia Rutchik.  She will be greatly missed by her siblings, Eddie Jessop and Erwin Gendorf, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

Ashes will be spread at the Mogollon Rim and interred in Utah with her parents.  Memorial service in Arizona will be scheduled at a later date.