Stella Ann Sanchez-Wade

Stella Ann Sanchez-Wade, 72, passed away on June 22, 2023, at her home in Encinitas, California with her family by her side. She was born in Austin, Texas on September 11, 1950 to Sara and Joe Sanchez. After moving to San Diego, she completed her undergraduate degree in 1975 and worked at the University of California San Diego for 40 years. While at UCSD, she worked her way up to Program Manager of the Integrated Library System (ILS) for the online library catalog. Stella served her community throughout her working life and into retirement: a volunteer at Encinitas public schools, a mentor for bilingual children, a coordinator of the Burke Lecture Series through the Newman Center, a leader in the YMCA adult walking program, and a volunteer and board member at the Encinitas library. She was an avid reader and participated in several book clubs. At the Newman Center, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of singing in a choir.

Stella is survived by her husband of 52 years, Edward P. Wade, their daughter Christina Wade and daughter-in-law Alycia Simpson, and their son Edward J. Wade and daughter-in-law Lauren Wade. She is also survived by her brother Robert Sanchez, her sister Sandra Ray, her grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Stella was a devoted wife, loving mother and sister, and proud grandmother to her granddaughter, Luna. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, arts and crafts, baking, singing, and spending quality time with her beloved family and friends. Her heart belonged to San Diego. She loved hiking Batiquitos Lagoon in the morning sun, visiting Balboa Park, driving through the beautiful countryside to Julian, and watching the sunset at Moonlight Beach while breathing in the scent of the ocean air.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 29 at 10:30 AM at the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in San Diego, California.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in her name to the American Cancer Society or Friends of the Encinitas Library.