Joyce Sanchez-Soli, 64, of Salida, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2021. She was born on August 15, 1956 to John and Evangeline Sanchez in Leadville, CO. The family later moved to Salida in 1970.
Joyce held several jobs throughout her life. She worked as an operator for Mountain Bell in Salida, before being transferred to Denver when the office in Salida closed. She met her husband, Doug Soli, who was a Network Technician for Mountain Bell/Qwest Communications. Doug and Joyce were married on May 11, 1991 in Denver and later moved to Gunnison, CO, where they made their home. Joyce worked for the Gunnison School District as a teacher’s aide and loved working with the kids.
They later moved to Salida to be closer to her parents. She worked at Lund Eye Care for several years and the patients always loved seeing her. Her warm smile and kind heart for “her patients” made them feel valued and appreciated. Her fondest work memories were of the patients and some of her co-workers with whom she maintained contact.
Joyce loved to travel with family and friends. Some of her favorite trips were to Disneyland, cruises with her mom, Hawaii with her sisters and trip with friends. Joyce enjoyed camping and spending time with her family, creating a Facebook group to track the events and activities.
She loved family gatherings and spearheaded the Sanchez Family Camping every year at the old Public Service Power Plant camping area. Joyce was fond of saying that her family was like fudge, mostly sweet with lots of nuts. Joyce was known as a loving and gentle person to all that knew her. Joyce never knew a stranger, making friends easily. She was willing to lend a hand to help anyone. She is greatly loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Joyce was a member of B.P.O.E. Salida Elks Lodge 808 serving as a past Chaplain & past Activities Coordinator.
Preceding her in death were her husband Doug Soli, Mother Evangeline Sanchez, brother John Edward Sanchez and several other family members.
She is survived and will be greatly missed by her children: John Warren Sanchez Soli and James Michael Sanchez Soli; Dad: John Sanchez; Brother: Michael (Brenda) Sanchez; Sisters: Patricia Sanchez and Laura Houston; Sister-in-law: Angeline Sanchez; Nieces: Lisa (Matthew) Wiley, Candace Keel, Cynthia McEvoy, Kirstin (Jerard) Carney and Ana Sanchez; Nephews: Jason (Adrienne) Sanchez, Justin Miles and John Robert Sanchez. She also left behind many family members and friends.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at lewisandglenn.com
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