Sally Vasquez

Sally was born on May 24, 1950. She grew up in Miami, Arizona, and lived in Globe/Miami her entire life. She loved her community and was grateful to call it home.

Sally’s childhood dream was to become a wife and mom, and she always hoped she would have a boy and a girl. When she was a young woman, her parents, Manuel and Sarah Zaragoza, took her to The Plaza one evening for a dance, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Neto Vasquez. Not long after they met, they were married in a private ceremony and started their family. Ernie arrived in 1972, and Tiffany in 1976. Throughout Sally’s life she often said that after Tiffany was born, she had everything in life that she ever wanted. Sally and Neto were married for 52 years, and she recently told him that their marriage had been her fairytale.

Sally was the epitome of grace, and people were drawn to her warmth. She was the best listener, and her family and best friends are going to miss their long conversations with her, her good advice, and hearing her laugh. She loved the pure and simple things in life and was grateful every day, even her very last day on earth. Her favorite place was her home, especially when her whole family was there with her.  

Neto has been a bandleader his entire adult life, and Sally spent years managing the Vasquez Family Band and Neto and the Band Imagine. Both bands played backyard parties, church events, weddings, reunions and benefits. Throughout Neto and Sally’s life in music, they kept the community gathering, dancing, laughing and loving life for many years. Sally’s greatest joy as the band manager were the years her son, Ernie, and daughter, Tiffany, were members of the band with their dad.

Sally was the ultimate party planner, and throughout her life she threw some of the best parties the community has ever seen. She loved all holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween. She never made a Halloween costume that didn’t take first place. Her home during the Christmas season was magical and will be remembered forever.

Sally touched many lives during her years as a pre-school teacher and childcare provider. No matter where she was, young people would often come up to her to thank her for being a special part of their lives when they were in her care.

Sally considered her life to be complete until the birth of her granddaughter Chloe. As a grandma, Sally was able to care for Chloe every week, taking her to dance, gymnastics, music class and so much more, creating a world of fun for them both. They would spend hours in their favorite parks and playing in Chloe’s room. Grandma Sally was able to attend all of Chloe’s major life events, watching her thrive and grow into an accomplished pianist and star softball player. A few short weeks ago, she watched Chloe lead her softball team to the Little League championship. Chloe was the cherry on the cake of Sally’s blessed life.

Sally’s gentle ways were the perfect accompaniment for her love of nature and all living things, especially her cats and grandpets: Bailey, Mia, Sister, Christopher, Sarah, Chloe Cat, Minoe, Lolli, Jack, Erin, Ringo and Blue. She also fed and cared for many homeless cats that were drawn to her beautiful yard and caring nature.

Gracious and grateful throughout her life, Sally passed away with dignity on Saturday, June 15, 2024. She is survived by her family, including her sisters, Linda Reyes and Bea Sanchez, and her brother, Manuel Zaragoza.

In lieu of flowers, notes or cards with a special memory about Sally can be sent to Neto and his family.

Memorial Service will be held on July 20, 2024, at Holy Angels Catholic Church; Rosary 10:30 a.m., Funeral Mass 11 a.m.