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Mary Lowe Sanchez, died peacefully, surrounded by her family May 13, 2001, at her home of 61 years in Taos at the age of 86. Mary had been suffering from a chronic illness. Her rich life began on July 21, 1914, born in Taos and delivered by Doc Martin. Almost all of Mary Eliza's life was spent in Northern New Mexico. Some of her favorite remembrances of childhood included panning for gold with her father at his mine in Red River, fiestas in Santa Fe and Taos, making miniature adobe houses while living and going to school on the San Juan Pueblo and boarding school in Santa Cruz where she excelled in studies but also loved to play basketball. After college in Nebraska, Mary decided to settle in Taos, close to her father to whom she was devoted. In 1934, she married Joe A. Sanchez and in 1935 gave birth to her only child, Gene. She was always active in civic organizations. Mary was appointed Deputy County Clerk in 1936 and she was the 2nd woman appointed to the City Council. Mary assumed more responsibility when she was named District Court Clerk and Chief Deputy County Treasurer. She worked as the local board clerk for the Selective Service until the war ended. In 1946 Mary put her business acumen to work by opening the successful curio/woman's clothing store called Plaza Dress and Curio Shop which she ran for 16 years. She always loved art and her passion for fine art and was stimulated by her friendships with the Taos Founders, Fechin, Gaspard, Dole Reed and many others. She herself was an impressionist painter who experimented with abstract expressionism. She studied abroad in Italy and in Taos with Emil Bristtram. In 1960, Mary, was approached by artists Mario Larrinaga and Eric Gibberd to join in a venture to open an art gallery. Not a passive stockholder, Mary was the Associate Director and Secretary of what eventually became known as Gallery A. Ultimately, Mary took over the Directorship and ownership of the gallery and it remains, today, one of New Mexico's most successful and oldest galleries. Because of her love for art and her good eye she became patron and representative to many fine artists such as her good friend, Gene Kloss. Barbara Latham, Howard Cook, Kenneth Adams, Elmer Schooley and a host of other artists were represented by Mary's gallery over the 41 years. She nurtured the careers of many and also helped countless clients who began collecting art under her guidance. In 1994 her son, Gene, took over the administration of Gallery A and Mary continued to work part time until health issues forced her to retire in January of 2000. Generous with her time, energy and charitable contributions, Mary served on the boards of Holy Cross Hospital and Millicent Rogers Museum. Over the years Mary's reputation has become virtually legendary in the arts, a role model known for her boundless energy and dedication that brought success to every venture she undertook. Mary L. Sanchez has become an integral part of Taos's history. She will be long remembered and treasured by her family, her many friends, clients and business associates for her generous spirit, her loyalty and her enthusiasm for life. She was preceded in death by her father, Corydon Capen Lowe, her mother, Domatila"Tillie" Reed, her brothers, Larkin and Ben and two sisters, Lucy and Domatila who both died as infants. She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Joe Arsenio Sanchez; her son, Gene, daughter-in-law, Jules; three grandsons, Corydan, Benjamin and James; three great-grandchildren, Samantha, Michael and Jason; nephew, Ben Lowe (Karen) of Albuquerque; niece, Terry Lowe of California and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 18, 2001 at 12:00 noon at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Memorial Reception will be held on Friday, May 18, 2001 at 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Gallery A, 107 Kit Carson Rd. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers a tax-deductible donation can be made to the Mary L. Sanchez Memorial Fund, care of the Taos Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1025, Taos, NM 87571
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