Fanny Iturralde De Sanchez

With the slightest of smiles, she would light up a room. With a sharp comment, she would make you burst into laughter or stop you right in your tracks. Fanny was a dynamic and incredible woman, wife, mother and friend who greeted everyone with love and looked after every person lucky enough to know her. She was constantly sought after for guidance and advice, and was selfless in her concern for others.

Born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador, she met her soulmate Leonardo Ivan Sanchez at the tender age of 18 and they were married three years later. They shared a life of love and passion, bringing four beautiful children into the world. The family eventually moved to Los Angeles, where Fanny worked in the garment industry and eventually found her true calling caring for those who needed her most. She possessed unparalleled patience and an abundance of kindness that defined her work. For the last 17 years, Fanny and Ivan served as foster parents to countless children and simultaneously operated a child care service from their home, which served a beacon of warmth, support and love.

In 2013 Fanny was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, an illness that she refused to let limit or define her. A warrior, she fought the disease with grace and strength. On November 8th, 2018, after six years of inspiring fortitude, Fanny was taken into the arms of God. She is reunited with her son Joseph and sisters Cecilia & Marcela. She is survived by her husband Ivan; children Andres, Johanna & Chantel, as well as their spouses Gabby and Christopher; grandsons Galileo and Joseph; siblings Marola, Vicente, Vilma, Carmen & Fatima; and her many family members and close friends.

Services for Fanny will be held on Saturday, November 17th at 12 PM at Forest Lawn in Covina Hills. A viewing will be held at the same location on November 16th from 10 AM to 9 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in Fanny's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).