Dolores Varela

Dolores “Dodo” Varela, was called to heaven on January 29, 2025, at the age of 63 in Las Cruces, surrounded by her family. 

Dodo was born December, 24, 1961 in Las Cruces to Raul “Buffalo” Sanchez and Florencia “Lencha” Mancha Sanchez. She was the youngest of 8 Children. Dodo grew up in “Chivatown”, attended Valley View Elementary, Zia Middle School, and Las Cruces High School. After high school, Dodo moved to California to help her brother Jesus “Chuy” to care for his children. 

It was only a short time before she returned home, and met the love of her life, Manuel “Mannie” Varela. Whom she married February 8th, 1986. Dodo was a housekeeper for most of her years. Yet, she took pride more so in caring for all of her nieces, nephews, and her parents. 

She loved knick-knacks and crafting. Always creating gifts, and gift baskets to give to her loved ones and their little ones. She never failed to express her love or show her care. 

For the holidays she would have a wreath on the door, centerpieces in theme. She was always decorating, keeping high spirits and happiness in every space she occupied. Though Dodo and Mannie were not able to have children themselves, they were Godparents to many, many of her nieces and nephews, and even their children. 

She loved singing, dancing, and having fun spending quality time with her family. Always playful, always laughing, and spreading joy. 

She loved sports, her favorite being basketball. The Boston Celtics were her favorite team, and as for football, she was a devoted 49er fan. Nothing came between her and her teams. 

Dodo is survived by her husband of 39 years, Mannie Varela. Though they never had their own, Mannie and Dodo considered their niece, Sonia Flores, as a child of their own. Even Sonia’s children, Jausim Cabañas, and Jared Terrazas, referred to them as Grandpa and Grandma. She was the most excited to have recently become a great grandmother, to Isacc Apollo Cabañas. She had a dear adoration and a very close, special bond with her great nephew as well, Marcus Sanchez. 

Her siblings, Gilbert, Estella, Alice, Gracie, Richard, and sister-in-law Lourdes “Lulu”. She had many, many loved ones who cherished her dearly and always knew if they saw Dodo, they were in for a laugh. Whether in the greatest joy, or in the hardest grief. She always brought her family together. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Raul and Lencha. Her brothers, Reymundo and Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez, and her babies that became her angels before she became ours. May she live on through the love she spread among us all. 

A viewing will take place from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave, followed by Rosary at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina St. A reception will be held at The Eagle’s on 17th St., 12:30PM-4:00PM 

Pallbearers – Jaime Lopez, Emilio “Bubba” Varela, Michael Paul Varela, Marcus Sanchez, Jausim Cabañas, Nicolas Sanchez. Honorary Pallbearers – Jared Terrazas, Daniel Estrada