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The following was contributed by Celeste's sister Christine '69
Celeste Gene Sanchez
Nov 24, 1952 – Apr 5, 1976
Celeste was born in Houston, Texas. The family moved to Palo Alto in May 1956 and she grew up on the 900 block of Lincoln Avenue. Celeste attended Addison Elementary, Jordan and Paly. After graduating from Foothill College, she worked for the Bank of America.
Celeste was creative, compassionate and caring and had a delicious sense of humor. She was artistic, particularly in the media of painting and ceramics, and enjoyed reading and good movies. Growing up, Celeste was a Girl Scout, volunteered as a candy striper at Stanford Hospital, baby sat and cleaned houses for elderly neighbors. In her teens, she worked part time at the Channing House. She attended Mass and CCD classes at St Albert the Great on Channing. Celeste had a lifelong passion for children and animals. Sadly, she perished in a motor vehicle accident in Yolo County at the age of 23 and is at rest at Alta Mesa Cemetery. She is survived by her parents, her sisters Christine (class of 1969) and Laura (class of 1975) and her brother Christopher (class of 1980). She has eight nieces and nephews, three of whom are Paly graduates: Ysabel Sanchez (2011), Julia Sanchez (2013) and Gabriel Sanchez (2017).
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Pete Keesling
Celeste was one of our first to leave us. I'll always remember my first day at Addison. She sat across from me in the room and always quietly smiled when Ms. Sarzin called my name. Always friendly, but shy. I'll never forget that first day or that smile.Winifred Lin (Ngan)
I first met Celeste when I started at Addison in 4th grade. She was always a gentle soul. We became good friends and frequently went to each other's home "to play." She seemed to be the quiet part of her bustling family. I think about her often and hope she has found peace.
Nancy M. "Nell" Smith (Bledsoe)
I've thought about Celeste over the years and was shocked to find she had passed on. She had so much to offer. We would sometimes walk home from school together, always taking the long way. She was shy and gentle and had a smile for everyone. I always felt better for having spent time with her...a wonderful gift! I'm sorry she left us so soon. Nancy "Nell" Smith Bledsoe
Janice Sakuma (Moan)
Celeste was my graduation partner since we were matched by our height...sadly she was taken too young. I know that she delayed driving because she was not comfortable behind the wheel. We will be thinking of you during this reunion; thank you for blessing my life!