DOLORES “DEE” JUANITA SANCHEZ GONZALES

July 12, 1934 - January 1, 2021

Adiós nuestra hermosa tia.

Our beloved mom, grandmother, sister, cousin and aunt passed away peacefully on January 1, 2021. She must have asked God for one last New Year!

Born in Bakersfield, California on July 12, 1934 to Anita and Joaquin Sanchez. Dee was a member, historian, and board member of The Contreras Family, which has awarded college scholarships to Kern County students for more than 30 years.

Dee is preceded in death by her sister Margaret Behill (Sanchez) and her brother Vicente Sanchez.

She will be profoundly missed by all, especially her brother Robert Sanchez and wife Elsie, son Jeffrey, granddaughter Danielle, and her many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dee attended Our Lady of Guadalupe School, Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College.

Service to others was the mainstay of Dee’s incredible life. Beginning at the age of 12, she helped her mother run a boarding house in addition to cooking for farm workers and sheep herders. Continuing with her strong sense of community service, Dee worked 14 years as a court and medical interpreter, served on the Kern County Alcohol Advisory Board as well as sitting on the Kern County Jail Needs Assessment Committee. These are just a few examples of the many ways in which Dee gave back.

Dee was also one of the pioneering women to work in the oil field business as an employee of Standard Oil (now Chevron).

The legacy of Dee and her dedication to helping others, will continue through the Dolores “Dee” Juanita Sanchez Gonzales scholarship, which is awarded annually to a Bakersfield College student who exemplifies giving, hard work and grit.

Services will be announced and held at a later and safe date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to one of Dee’s three favorite causes: Our Lady of Guadalupe School, Saint Francis Church or The Contreras Foundation. www.bakersfield.com/obits