Maria A. Sanchez

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt Maria Antonieta Sanchez, passed away on March 23, 2016. She is proceeded by her parents, sister Gloria and brother Johnny, whom she missed dearly. Maria was born in Monterrey, Mexico on July 2, 1936, to her parents Juan Angel Garcia Sada and Adelina Villareal. Her parents were a couple that valued art and poetry over money. She was the second of 5 children: Maria Louisa, Laura, Gloria, and Johnny. In 1952, she immigrated with her family to Kingsville, Texas and later moved to Houston. As a teenager she worked in variety of jobs including as a nurse’s aide at St. Josephs Hospital while attending school at night. Maria married Henry V. Sanchez in 1958 and had three children. They later divorced in 1970. Afterwards, she took it upon herself to reeducate, start a small business and work full time with the City of Houston. On July 4, 1976 Ms. Sanchez became a US citizen. She never missed voting and was up to date on current events. After being released from the hospital, she voted in the 2016 Texas primaries to ensure her voice was heard. Maria was always aware of environmental issues and practiced her values every day. Ms. Sanchez’s home was the center for family reunions, birthday celebrations, holidays and casual gatherings of playing cards. Extended family would gather every Christmas Eve to exchange presents, dine and welcome Santa Claus to entertain the smallest children. She managed to maintain a home for her 3 children, while also supporting her parents who lived in the same house. As a devoted daughter Maria and her siblings saw to assist their parents in the end of their life. She was the glue that kept the family together. Maria was the heart of the family who cared deeply for all her nieces and nephews and was always available to assist them and their families throughout their lives. After retirement, Ms. Sanchez devoted her time to her grandchildren, work on arts and craft and to cultivate a public life through volunteer service. She was an active volunteer to several charities, particularly to St. Vincent de Paul and the Guadalupane Society of St. Ambrose church. Maria became a lector, a Eucharistic minister and helped with the quinceañera programs. As a compassionate and fun sister Maria and her siblings acted as best friends their entire life. One of her great pleasures in life was traveling extensively to different parts of the world with family and friends. She instilled in her children to never take things for granted, work hard, be responsible for yourself, value the family and to become forgiving and compassionate adults. Maria left her children closer and bonded at the end of her life. She was gentle a soul. She was always kind and never thought ill of anyone. In the most subtle of ways she convinced all around her that we must overcome our own biases, to be selfless and maintain the bonds of loving family. Maria is survived by her children Leticia, Maria Teresa and Henry Jr., and grandchildren Olivia, Marty and Gabriel. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

Rosary and Mass will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Rd. , Houston, TX 77092. Sunday’s Vigil/Rosary is at 7pm. Monday’s visitation is 10am with Mass at 11am. Friends and the public are invited to attend.