Doris Jane Sanchez
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Doris's obituary
Doris Jane Sanchez (Dirken), 78, of Southern and Northern California, died on January 18, 2026, in Clovis, California. She was born on June 1947, in Artesia, California, to George and Johanna Dirken.
Doris grew up in Artesia and worked for many years with Safeway where she was known by her co‑workers as the life of the party, always cracking jokes and lifting others’ spirits. She loved her family deeply, and her grandchildren were truly her whole world.
She enjoyed gardening, keeping a spotless home, and shopping—always on the hunt for a good deal. She was famous in the family for her mashed potatoes, sweet yams, and homemade fudge. She had an infectious laugh, a well‑known sweet tooth, and a tender heart for animals, and she took great joy in caring for her grandchildren and being present in their lives.
Doris is survived by her children, Robert Dean Sanchez, Ryan Jerome Sanchez, and Lora Lynn Sanchez; her grandchildren, Alyssa Sanchez, Arianna Sanchez, Melanie Sanchez, Ryan Sanchez, Emily Sanchez, Kayla Sanchez, and Stephanie Nataraj; her great‑grandchildren, Aaliyah Ascencio, Jazlene Sanchez, Carlo Sanchez, and Shriya Nataraj; her daughters‑in‑law, Sandy Sanchez and Sylvia Sanchez; her sister, Sandy Opsitnik; her best friend since the 80’s, Millie Chaffin; and Bob Sanchez, her friend and father of her children.
She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and “just one more shopping trip.” Her family takes comfort in knowing that somewhere in heaven, Doris is cracking jokes, setting the table with mashed potatoes and yams, shopping in the heavens with a pocket full of sweets, and making sure everything is just so.
A Funeral Mass will be held on March 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 27931 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, California 92586.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to an animal rescue organization that is close to your heart, in Doris’s honor.
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