Sister Stephanie Sanchez (Allida) died June 15 in Oklahoma City. She was 76.
Sister Stephane was born on Sept. 28, 1945, in Denver to Albert and Erma Sanchez.
She is survived by her sister, Beverly Sanchez; brother, Arthur Sanchez; aunts, Corrine and Mary; uncle, George Ramirez; and many first and second cousins.
Sister Stephanie was a member of the Carmelite Sisters for 57 years. She was a graduate of Marquette University with a master’s degree in theology. She made her first Profession of Vows on Aug. 16, 1965.
After vows, Sister Stephanie served at Saint James Catholic Church in Oklahoma City as director of religious education for six years, followed by eight years as the director of religious education for the Diocese of Tulsa.
During the summer, she loved going to rural areas of Oklahoma teaching vacation Bible school. Sister Stephanie found a permanent home in 1982 as theology teacher at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School and retired in December after 41 years. She treasured her students and said,
“I like to ride high with them in victory and to be with them in defeat.”
Everyone who knew her, knew of her enthusiasm for sports. She was a true cheerleader for the students at Bishop McGuinness and attended almost all sports activities. She also was not afraid to verbalize her feelings at games, encouraging her students and helping out the referee to make the right calls.
To watch the students grow in their God gifted talent gave her so much pleasure and if they didn’t use their talents she would let them know.
Prayer was her true vocation, and she was constantly praying for anyone who needed prayer. She loved God and neighbor. Always reaching out to help others in any way she could, she lived her faith in action.
An evening prayer service was held June 20, followed by a reception. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 21 at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church. Burial followed at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Therese of the Infant Jesus Endowment for Catechists and Adult Discipleship at the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma. Gifts can be made online at cfook.org/thereseendowment or by mail to Saint Therese Endowment, Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 32180, Oklahoma City 73123.