Maria Dolores Sandoval Lua

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Maria Dolores Sandoval Lua. She passed away peacefully and surrounded by her children and loved ones at her home on July 31, 2023, at the age of 86.

Maria Dolores was born on March 26, 1937, in Cojita, Michoacan, Mexico. At a very early age she became her father's right hand and helped run their family business where they specialized in handmade leather Huaraches. At the age of 25 she married the love of her life, José Mendez Lua. She moved to Northern California in 1959 and in 1964 she became a permanent resident of El Dorado County; where she birthed and raised their six children.

Maria Dolores was a strong and hardworking woman, she worked at various fruit growing ranched. and eventually worked in Apple Hill making delicious pies for several years. But, after a hardworking day, she would still go home to make dinner and handmade tortillas for her beloved family.

Maria Dolores helped to build with her bare hands their family home in Diamond Springs. She enjoyed sewing and used to make matching dresses for her daughters. Her language of love was preparing exquisite Mexican dishes and baking delicious pies.

Maria Dolores is survived by her beloved husband Jose and her six children; Elvira, Teresa, José Antonio, Deedee, Martin and Mercedes. Her ten grandchildren; Cesar, Alexis, Jessica, Diego, Angela, Miguel, Ashley, Jacqueline, Emily and Aly. Her four sons-in-law; Mario, Jesus, Fernando and Vicente. And her daughter-in-law; Daysi. Her siblings; Maria, Rosa, Teresa, Angela, Rafael, Luis and Francisco.

We will forever miss her strength, her stubbornness, her sense of humor, and her adventurous spirit. But most of all; we will miss the unconditional love she had for her family. She will forever live in our hearts.