Magdalena Villagomez Sanchez

Magdalena Villagomez Sanchez was born July 22, 1933, in Flagstaff, Arizona, to Juan R. and Gracia (Contreras) Villagomez. She passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2017, in Fullerton, California, at the age of 84.

Magdalena spent her early years in Flagstaff where she began her education. As an early adolescent, her family moved to La Habra, California. Magdalena attended Washington Jr. High in La Habra and graduated from Fullerton High School in Fullerton, California. She continued her education at Fullerton College where she studied cosmetology.

On August 24, 1952, Magdalena married the love of her life, Edward L. Sanchez, at the Mexican Baptist Church in La Habra. They made their home in La Habra and remained there for the rest of her life. Their marriage of 65 years was a beautiful love story, and she and Edward were blessed to raise three children, MaryLou, Charlie, and Frank.

Magdalena worked for a time at Beckman, and she worked part time doing hair on the side. However, her real love and chosen career was that of a homemaker. She was always home with her children and found great joy in being there. Her love for family carried on with her grandchildren, and she often helped caring for them.

Faith was a big part of Magdalenas life. She loved the Lord and was a long-time member of Green Hills Baptist Church in La Habra. She enjoyed traveling with Eddie and going to the casinos.

Magdalena is survived by her 3 children, MaryLou (Maria Gamez), Charles (Maria Abalia), and Frank (Nancy) Sanchez; grandchildren, Rosanna, Patti, Frankie, Isabella, & Salena; 5 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Leonard, Daniel, Henry, Carmen, and Gracie. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Edward Lopez Sanchez, Jr., and she lost another baby as a stillbirth.

Viewing will take place from 6-7pm on Thursday, December 28, 2017, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, California. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 7pm. A Graveside Service will begin at 9:30am the following morning, Friday, December 29th, at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California.