Dorothy L. Sanchez-Ortega

Dorothy L. Sanchez-Ortega, 89 of Castle Rock, Colorado passed away in the early morning hours of October 30, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. Dorothy was born on October 22, 1931 to Margaret Emma Ortega and Juan William Sanchez.

Dorothy was the second oldest of 9 children (Tina, Louise, Grace, Joseph, Betty, Cecelia, Thomas and Patricia). Dorothy had the privilege of growing up on her grandparent's sheep ranch In the San Luis Valley area of Southern Colorado. A tradition of the times provided help for elders of large families like Dorothy's. This is where her love for gardening and cooking blossomed. She loved the southern Colorado mountains where she enjoyed hiking and fishing.

Dorothy married at a young age and early on, she gave birth to her oldest daughter Peggy Fernandez Caddell (James). A few years later she gave birth to her second child Donna May Herrera Duran and then later, her third daughter Denise Hope Fernandez. Dorothy was a stay at home mom but when the girls started school she worked as a teachers aid. She was a servant of the Lord and this shone brightly with the sacrifices she made to take care of others working central supply for St Luke's Hospital in Denver.

Later in her life Dorothy found a career that she loved working security at the Denver Art Museum where she made many friends of staff and volunteers. She loved being a grandmother and loved holiday gatherings. She enjoyed many outings with family and friends.

Dorothy was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Dorothy was preceded in death by:

Her parents - Juan William Sanchez and Margaret Emma Ortega
John Fernandez - first husband
Ed Mayes- second husband
sisters Tina, Grace and Cecelia
daughters Donna Duran (Jerry) and Denise Fernandez
grandson Zachary Herrera.

Dorothy is survived by:

daughter Peggy Caddell (James) of Odessa, Texas
grandson Ryan Caddell (Linman Li) of Tampa Bay, Florida;
granddaughter Erin Griffard (Myles) of Victoria, Texas
1. great grandson Heyoan Caddell
2. great grandson Hudson Griffard
3. great granddaughter Harper Griffard

daughter (late) Donna Duran
grandson John Nicholas Herrera (Tamera)
1. great grandson d Jose Herrera
2. great granddaughter Naucia Herrera Rose (Marcus)
- 6 great great grandchildren
grandson Lucas Herrera (Michelle)
1. great grandson the late Zachary Herrera
2. great granddaughter Izabella Herrera.

daughter (late) Denise Fernandez
grandson Eric Fernandez
granddaughter Andrea Vickery (Robert);
1. great granddaughter Avianna Fernandez
2. great grandson Robert Vickery
3. great grandson Kyrin Vickery.


Dorothy's light in this world with be immeasurably missed, but we take comfort in knowing that she is in a better place up in heaven.

A celebration of life for Dorothy will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home at the West Metro Chapel, 901 S. Sheridan Blvd. in Lakewood, Colorado, (303-274-6065) on Thursday November 5th at 2pm. There will be a viewing that day from 12-2pm. Masks required as well as social distancing. There will be a limit of no more than 25 in the chapel at all times. During the visitation guests may enter and leave at any time,
for the service seating is limited to 25.

To share a memory of Dorothy or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.