Nancy May Sanchez

Nancy May Sanchez, age 86, of Traverse City, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Munson Medical Center. Nancy was born in Trenton, Michigan, on August 19, 1939, to the late Maurice and Irene (Hartrick) Luttrell. When Nancy was 12, her mother passed away and she was then raised by her precious Aunt May and dear stepmother, Edith Luttrell. In 1957 at Patton Park Pool in Detroit, Nancy, who was vacationing from VA, accidentally (on purpose) swam into a very handsome diver and the rest is history. On October 25, 1958, Nancy embraced the Catholic faith and one day later, in Winchester, VA, she married her beloved John Robert Sanchez at Sacred Heart Church, who preceded her in death in 2017. Together they enjoyed nearly 59 years of marriage and were blessed with three precious children and three grandsons. Nancy graduated from James Wood High School in Winchester, VA, then Winchester Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1960 and worked as a registered nurse for 40 years. Nancy and John moved to Traverse City in 2001. She was a parishioner of St. Francis Catholic Church and was on the funeral luncheon committee. Nancy volunteered at WMC and for Meals on Wheels. Family was very important to Nancy, and she treasured gatherings for birthdays and holidays, especially Christmas. Nancy loved baking, reading, crossword puzzles, playing poker weekly, and an occasional trip to the casino. She treasured the simple pleasures of life from the first cup of coffee in the morning to a glass of wine at night. She enjoyed visits from her children and lunch with friends. Dancing with John to “Always” and the 1950’s jitterbug was a favorite memory. As she said, “He was my favorite partner.” Nancy’s faith in God was integral to her identity. Her relationship with John and those with her children and grandchildren gave her immense joy. Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are her three children, Susan and George Wildman of Traverse City, Jeffrey and Diana Sanchez of Westland, and Gregory and Jessica Sanchez of Innwood, WV; grandsons, Jeffrey (and fiancé, Amelia) and John Sanchez and Noah Wilson (and fiancé, Amber); special sister, Ann Luttrell-DeLorme of NC; sister, Kathy Luttrell of VA; sister-in-law, Patricia Martin-Feldman of Northville; former sister-in-law, Nancy Luttrell; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to John, Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; aunt, May Gugloff; stepmother, Edith Luttrell; brother, Joseph Luttrell; aunt and uncle, James and Theresa Maynor of Allen Park; cousins James and Ron of Allen Park; and favorite dog, Maggie. A memorial mass celebrating Nancy’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St. Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Nancy’s cremated remains as well as John’s to be inurned at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery in Traverse City. For those wishing to give a gift in memory of Nancy, contributions may be directed to St. Francis Catholic Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Nancy’s family would like to thank and acknowledge the numerous health care givers and friends for their compassionate care and support for Nancy over the years. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to leave a memory or condolence for Nancy’s family.

Nancy May Sanchez

August 19, 1939 - December 19, 2025