Priscilla Sanders

Our dearest Priscilla Atencio-Sanders of Denver, Colorado passed away on December 31, 2023 at the age of 85.

Priscilla was born in Crestone, Colorado on September 28, 1938  to Joe G. Atencio and Rufinita “Ruth” Archuleta Atencio, and grew up in Del Norte in the San Luis Valley alongside her dearly loved siblings - Max Atencio, Cecilia Torres, Prese Atencio, Frances Boatwright, Johnny Atencio, Rudy Atencio, Ruth Sanchez, and Richard “Pogo” Atencio. Priscilla grew up with humble beginnings, and was proud to have spoken Spanish as her first language. She attended Del Norte High School. In 1967 she moved to Denver and eventually went on to become a homemaker who spent her time volunteering and caring for her community.

Priscilla married Gene Sanders on November 2, 1974. They were married for 49 years before Gene’s passing earlier in the year. Gene and Priscilla were active members of St. Augustine’s Antiochian Orthodox Church and enjoyed coffee and gathering with other parishioners after church services. The two enjoyed many adventures together, including going on road trips, spending time in the family cabin in Pine, Colorado, and being with their family and friends. They would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this year.

Priscilla will always be remembered and cherished by her family. Both Priscilla and Gene always left their door open to anyone who wanted to stop by. We couldn’t have asked for a better great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, godmother, aunt, and best friend. We will miss her welcoming hugs, her home cooked meals, and her sense of humor.

Priscilla is survived by her beloved great-grandson Elijah Joseph Valdez; three children including Teresa (Nathan) C de Baca, Patricia (Gerald Archuleta) Martinez, Joseph (Denise) Valdez; five grandchildren including Gabriel Valdez, goddaughter Terra Ramirez, Chris (Angel) Ramirez, Christine Valdez, and Myranda (Jorge) Lopez-Valdez; twelve great-grandchildren and all who called her “grandma”; her one surviving sister and sole surviving Atencio, Frances Boatwright of Pensacola, Florida; many friends, numerous nieces and nephews, and her gatita Jackie.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 10:30AM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. A Graveside service will be held immediately following at 12:30pm at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 12801 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge.  The reception will be held at 1:30PM at Horan & McConaty Reception Center.

Please share your memories of Priscilla and condolences with her family by signing the guest book below.