Ofelia Sanchez

Ofelia Sanchez, 73, of Rockford, returned to her heavenly home, October 23, 2014 after a valiant battle with cancer. Her devotion to her family, friends and firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. Ofelia was born on October 28, 1941 in San Martin De Bolanos, Jalisco to parents Norlberta and Feliciano Martinez. She married Enrique Sanchez in Guadalajara, Jalisco in 1972. Upon arriving to Rockford in 1974, she immediately started her quest in creating the dynasty in which she has left us to carry on in her honor. She accomplished her dream on March 19, 2000 with the Grand opening of Mi Ranchito on South Main Street in Rockford, IL. Ofelia was a great mother not only to her son, but to all of those she took under her wing and helped them in accomplishing their own dreams. Ofelia was a successful business woman who had a grand heart and would give the shirt off her back to help a person succeed in life. She was very involved with her business, Mi Ranchito, for the past 13 years, which still remains in business. She enjoyed her family and clients/friends. Her family and friends will always remember her as a loving and kind-hearted. She is survived by her children, Salvador and Bertha Sanchez; husband, Enrique Sanchez; grandchildren, Javier, Mario, Fernando, Salvador, and Antonio; twelve siblings, Susana, Rosalina, Felipa, Socorro, Lorenzo, Herminia, Evelia, Maria and Ampelio Martinez as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Irene, Jose, Guadalupe and Martin Martinez, and her parents. Ofelia was a remarkable woman to all the lives she knew. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 11 a.m., at St. Edward Catholic Church. Burial will be Wednesday, October 29, 2014 following Mass, at Arlington Cemetery, Rockford, IL. Visitation will be on Ofelia’s birthday, Tuesday, October 28, 2014, from 5-8 p.m., with Rosary being recited at 7:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials in her name to the Susan G. Koman Foundation, www.info-komen.org. Arrangements made by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108. To express an online condolence, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com