Marcia Sanchez
Celebrating the Life of

Marcia Sanchez

February 23, 1951 - November 18, 2024

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marcia Lynn Sanchez (Verkler), who peacefully left us on November 18, 2024 at the age of 73. Born to William and Wardell Verkler on February 23, 1951, Marcia was a force to be reckoned with from day one. Beautiful on the inside and out, she was a beacon of kindness, strength, and devotion to her family and friends. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Marcia was born in Gary, Indiana and relocated to California in 1959 where she lived until relocating to Arizona in 1994. In 2015, she began splitting her time between Colorado and California, where her daughters would playfully argue over who got to spend more time with her. She was known for her nurturing spirit, her infectious laugh, and her remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel seen and cared for. Her humor and zest for life was unmatched.

A 13-year stage 4 lung cancer survivor, Marcia was very active with Relay for Life and enjoyed speaking at events to cheer on her fellow warriors. In addition, she spent the last 9 years traveling, parasailing, ziplining, enjoying cruises, beach vacations, happy hours, partaking in tequila shots in Mexico while being flipped upside down, drinking Boscos, getting a tattoo (or 3), snuggling with her grand puppies, playing Bunco and Craps with her girlfriends, and just being the greatest human her family (and the world) could’ve asked for.

She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, JoAnne and Jeff Emerick and Jennifer and Brad Charvat, her three grandchildren, Shelby, Travis, and McKenna, and her great-grandson, Hudson. She is also survived by her honorary son and daughter, Nakia and Syliva Wimbley, and her honorary grandchildren Tyson Wimbley, Kynzlee Stafford, and Aralyn Reed. She is preceded in death by William and Wardell Verkler of Palm Desert, CA.

In addition to her family, Marcia had a wide circle of friends who cherished her for her warmth, humor, and generosity. Her strength and compassion were felt by all who were fortunate enough to know her, and she leaves behind a deep void in the hearts of many. Marcia will always be remembered as the greatest mom, grandmother and friend, and her spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

We will have two celebrations of life (open house style):

Saturday, June 7, 2025 12:00-4:00pm 10814 Modoc Street Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701

Saturday, June 21, 2025 12:00-4:00pm 339 Kingbird Circle Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Please feel free to share a memory, photo or story on this site to create lasting memories for her family.

Memories and Condolences

  • Photo shared by JoAnne Emerick

    We wear red for our heart transplant friend, Regina.

    JoAnne Emerick
    Memory
    Photo shared by JoAnne Emerick

    I loved going with her to treatments. The nurses all loved her.

    JoAnne Emerick
    Memory
  • Photo shared by JoAnne Emerick

    Wine tasting!

    JoAnne Emerick
    Memory
    Photo shared by JoAnne Emerick

    Relay Bunco!

    JoAnne Emerick
    Memory
  • Photo shared by JoAnne Emerick

    Celebrating you, mom! #13yearstage4lungcancersurvivor

    JoAnne Emerick
    Memory
    Photo shared by JoAnne Emerick

    Always winning at game nights!

    JoAnne Emerick
    Memory