Catherine "Cathy" Frances Sanchez

Catherine Frances Sanchez, 72, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, May 18, 2026. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, on November 25, 1953, she was the beloved daughter of Fredrick and Estella (née Mũnoz) Ramos. Cathy was a proud graduate of Washington Park High School, Class of 1972.

On December 19, 1972, Cathy was united in marriage to the love of her life, Crescencio Reyes Sanchez. Together they were blessed with three children: Cora C. Sanchez, Catrina C. Sanchez, and Crescencio Reyes Sanchez III.

A faithful member of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, Cathy dedicated much of her life to hard work and service to others. Over the years, she worked as a teacher’s aide at Lincoln School and held positions at Warren Packaging, InSinkErator, Royal Upholstery, Starbuck Junior High School as a lunch lady, 1-Hour Martinizing, and most recently, Amazon.

Cathy’s true passion was sewing. A talented and well-known seamstress, she generously shared her gifts with others including the US Marine Corps League Agerholm-Gross Detachment #346 and most recently volunteered her time and talents for last week’s Post Prom event. Though small in stature, Cathy possessed a larger-than-life personality, remarkable determination, and a spirit that could light up any room. To those who knew her, she was a spitfire, an angel, and even a saint. Above all else, Cathy cherished caring for her family — especially her grandchildren and her beloved father, who always held a special place in her heart.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and a caring daughter whose kindness and strength touched many lives.

Cathy is survived by her father, Fredrick Ramos; her devoted husband, Crescencio Reyes Sanchez; her children, Cora C. Sanchez (Victor G. Tenner), Catrina C. Sanchez (Charles Ocacio), and Crescencio Reyes Sanchez III; her grandchildren, Austin Tenner (fiancée McKenzie Arndt), Amelia Tenner (Devante Lampkins), Antonio Tenner (fiancée Livia Morley), and Crescencio Frederico Sanchez; her great-grandchildren, Violet Tenner, Cameron Lampkins, Kyrie Lampkins, and Jaire Lampkins; her brothers, Theo (Lily) Ramos and Alex (Linda) Ramos; her in-laws, Tomás Reyes Sanchez Jr., Richard Matsen, Frederico C. Sanchez, Joe Sanchez, Dave Sanchez, Joseph (Angela) Sanchez, and Frank V. (Bertha) Sanchez; her special friends, Kathy VanKoningveld and Amelia Gonzales; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Estella M. Ramos; mother-in-law, Consuelo C. Sanchez; and her sister-in-law, Rosemary Matsen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 28, 2026, 11 am at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave with Fr. Timothy Sanchez officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Kinzie Ave. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the Mass 10-11 am.

The service will be live streamed and may viewed at https://www.facebook.com/meredithfuneralhome/