AUGUST 25, 1983 - AUGUST 14, 2000

DeAnna Elizabeth Sanchez was born on August 25, 1983 to Judge Daniel and Dinah Sanchez. She was the answer to their prayer – a little girl after two older brothers

 

She was a mischievous but fun loving young girl. If she didn’t have friends or playmates around, she would make them up.

 

DeAnna started school at Temple Baptist. Then, she went to Pinon Elementary School where she caught the attention of her teachers. DeAnna loved to socialize even then. She was the true social butterfly. People were always the most important thing in her life.

 

She went to middle school at Capshaw Middle School – again making more and more friends. To DeAnna – school was not an educational experience, it was a social event. She transferred to St. Michael’s High School her 8^th grade year, and was there for her 8^th and 9^th grades. She wasn’t very happy there because the teachers and staff were stricter there, and this interfered with her priorities – socializing. She transferred to Santa Fe High School her sophomore year and there she actually found comfort in school. One of her counselors, Liz Legits, took a special interest in her and made sure that DeAnna did not overlook her educational experience – and at Santa Fe High School she was very happy as she renewed old friendships and made many, many new friends. She finally enjoyed school and she was able to combine her schooling with what she really loved to do – visit and be with her friends and family. She still didn’t lose her adventurous, outgoing and mischievous spirit, which sometimes got her into trouble. She was not one for asking if she could do something she shouldn’t, but one to act and then ask for forgiveness later.

 

She was very aware of the control she had over her brothers, Daniel and Diego. They were always doing things for her, protecting and watching over her – being big brothers, as were all of their friends as well. She had them all wrapped around her little finger – especially her Daddy – all she had to say was, “But I’m so cute” and she would get her way.

 

DeAnna was always bringing home stray pets (dogs and cats) and lots of friends who needed a place to stay for a few days, a few weeks or a few months. She would tell her friends, “My Mom will feed you,” and “she doesn’t mind if you stay for dinner”. She always had a house full of friends, so Mom always made plenty of food for everyone.

 

DeAnna had a bubbly personality, great energy, and an ever-present smile, which were always a part of her. She was gregarious and out-going – she loved everybody and everybody loved her. She was caring and affectionate. DeAnna was a free spirit who loved life, her family and her friends. No matter what their lot in life, she did not have a jealous bone in her body. She just wanted the best for everybody. She was truly concerned about those less fortunate than her. She was always extremely interested and supportive of the entire SER organization and the participants it serves.