Romana "Mona" C. Sanchez, a deeply loving and faith-filled woman, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on March 24, 2026, at the age of 93 in Santa Barbara, California. Her life was a beautiful testament to devotion, humility and unwavering love.

Mona was born on November 14, 1932, in Denver, Colorado, the second of nine children born to Refugio and Dolores Cobarrubias. In 1943, at just 11 years old, she journeyed with her family in a Model T Ford to Northern California - part of a courageous and determined way of life rooted in hard work and sacrifice. Her father worked as a migrant farmworker, and together the family followed the seasons of agricultural harvest across several states, including Idaho, South Dakota, Chicago, before ultimately settling in Fresno after her father obtained a transfer within the Union Pacific Railroad.

These early experiences instilled in Mona a deep sense of perseverance, humility, and pride in her family's legacy of honest labor. From a young age, she carried within her a gentle strength and a compassionate heart that would come to define her life.

On May 19, 1950, Mona married Miguel Medina Sanchez, in Salinas, California. Together they shared 67 years of marriage. She was the cherished mother of seven children: Michael (Julie), Alex (Pam), David, Susan, Madaleine (Robert), Ted (Karen), Chris (Bernice).

Mona is survived by her brothers John, Manuel, and Nash Cobarrubias of Fresno, California; her children Alex, David, Susan, Madaleine, Ted, and Chris; as well as 17 grandchildren: Dustin (Hiwot), Nicholas (Erin), Danny (Jenn), Tommy (Kierstin), Katelyn, Luda, Michaela (Jason), Sean (Stephanie), Ashley, Natalie, Amber (Craig),Gabe (Heather), Amy, Nathan (Aki), Andrew, Brandon, and Vivienne. She was proud Great-Grandmother of 16: Amalia, Paulos, Mariam, Margot, Oliver, Evelyn, Elle, Josephine, Indiana, Martha, Silas, Skyler, Mailey, Amelia, Yuzuru, Meguru ; along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Her legacy lives on in each of them.

She was preceded in death by her husband Miguel Sanchez, her firstborn son Michael Ray Sanchez, her sisters Jenny Gutierrez and Molly Romero, and her brothers Phillip, Jessie, and Joe Cobarrubias.

As a homemaker in Oxnard, California, she had a rare gift for making every person feel seen, valued, and cared for. With open doors and an open heart, she generously shared not only her home but her deep faith, often speaking of God's love and the hope found in the gospel of Christ.

Her devotion to her faith was steadfast. In 1977, she joined La Trinidad Foursquare Church in Oxnard, where she faithfully served as a bookkeeper. In 1982, She became a devoted member of Channel Islands Vineyard, where she remained an active and cherished part of the community for over 30 years. She found great joy in Bible studies and prayer gatherings, forming deep and meaningful bonds with her Christian sisters.

Mona found beauty in life's simple blessings. She loved tending to her garden, socializing, and reminiscing about family memories. Her music taste ranged from Trio Los Panchos and Eydie Gorme to Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, and Linda Ronstadt. She also had a deep appreciation for knitting, crocheting, and world history.

Mona's kindness, humility, and love touched countless lives. Known for her gentle spirit and witty sense of humor, she had many close friends to whom she adored as her own family. To know her was to feel comforted, encouraged, and deeply loved. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and grace that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.