Maria Inez Sanchez

Maria I. Sanchez (née Ronchaquira), 89, of Flushing, NY, passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, January 26. Maria survived a stroke on January 21, 2011, and lived a happy and comfortable life.

Born on June 21, 1935, in Turmeque, Boyaca, Colombia, Maria was the beloved daughter of Buenaventura and Margarita (Naranjo) Ronchaquira. She was the devoted wife of Jesus Abel Sanchez (1933–2019) for 62 wonderful years and the cherished mother of Freddy Sanchez (1957–2019), William (Angela Patricia) Sanchez, David Sanchez, John Sanchez, and Mickey (Michelle) Sanchez. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Seth and Hope Sanchez. Maria is the youngest of nine siblings: Teololinda, Briceida, Belén, Ana Pastora, Josefa, Arturo, Jorge, and Carmen Ronchaquira.

Maria and Jesus married on November 7, 1956, beginning a lifelong adventure together. Their honeymoon in Cartagena, Colombia, turned into an extended stay—one they only cut short upon learning they were expecting their first child, Freddy. Together, they built a life filled with ambition, entrepreneurship, and deep devotion to their family.

From a young age, Maria was drawn to hairstyling, a passion that became the foundation of her success. She first trained and worked as a stylist in Colombia, eventually opening her own salon and launching Academia Colombiana de Belleza Inesita in 1964. Her skill and ambition later brought her to the United States, where she and Jesus traveled for a beauty competition. That trip ignited a dream: to build a future for their family in America.

Upon immigrating, Maria used her talents to establish herself, first working in salons before opening her own. Over time, she owned and operated five successful salons across New York City—three in the Bronx and two in Queens. Later, she had the opportunity to teach. She became an instructor at two prestigious cosmetology schools, passing on her knowledge and passion to the next generation. Her career only ended due to an injury, but her love for the craft remained a defining part of her life.

Maria’s pursuit of the American Dream was unwavering. She believed deeply in the power of opportunity and worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She instilled in her sons a love for education, a strong work ethic, and a desire to own a home—a “casita” that would serve as a foundation through life’s challenges. Yet, even as she embraced life in the U.S., she carried Colombian culture in her heart. It was evident in the music she played, the food she cooked, and the warmth with which she welcomed others.

Her home was a place of hospitality and abundance—no guest ever left hungry. Maria’s generosity was legendary; even when you insisted you were full, she insisted harder. Beyond her immediate family, she encouraged and supported extended family and others in their journey to the U.S., helping them build new lives, just as she had done.

At the heart of Maria’s life was her faith in Jesus Christ. She ensured her children were raised in the church—sometimes attending two services in one weekend for good measure! Though they each took their own paths, her steadfast prayers anchored them, guiding them back to their faith. Maria’s devotion shaped her family’s spiritual foundation in ways she may never have fully realized.

She also possessed a vibrant sense of humor, shared with her beloved husband, Jesus. Whether it was a clever play on words, a risqué joke, or an elaborate story, laughter was woven into their daily lives. Maria also found joy in life’s simple pleasures: visiting botanical gardens, spending time in the Poconos, and savoring moments in nature—especially when shared with family.

Maria leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and generosity. Her life was a testament to the power of dreams, faith, and family, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who were blessed to know her.

Calling hours for the wake / visitation are Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY.

A Funeral Service will take place during the visitation on Sunday, February 2 in FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME at 7:00 pm

The Burial will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025. The details are as follows:

- (Optional) Last Visitation before the Burial at FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME at 10 a.m.

- (Optional) Process from Frederick Funeral Home to Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, 2030 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY, at 10:30 a.m.

- Arrive at Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, 2030 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY by 11:30 a.m. and wait for caravan as directed by guard when you give them Maria Inez Sanchez’s name. If you would like to know where we will be, should you be running late or want to meet at the area, email [email protected] or call/text 781-708-3573 for a map of the location of the burial.