Maria Ernestina Sanchez

Maria Ernestina Sanchez a loving wife, mother, and grandmother returned to her Heavenly Father, surrounded by her loving family on March 8, 2013. She will be dearly missed by all those who loved and cherished her.

Maria was born on March 16, 1952, in Oxnard, Calif. While attending Santa Clara High School she met the love of her life, Tomas D. Sanchez whom she married and together they created their beautiful family, which brought to her joy and happiness. Maria dedicated her life to the well being of her family; ensuring all were loved, encouraged, supported and guided by her and her faith in God. Her favorite moments were being with her children throughout any event of their lives, from school award ceremonies, to marriages, to births of her grandchildren. "Gramma Mia," as her grandchildren knew her, always made sure each one of her grandchildren knew how much she loved them. She made each one feel special by spending quality time with just them and only them. No one could ever replace that love she had for them.

Maria loved being Tomas' wife or, as she lovingly said, his "co-pilot." Together they enjoyed traveling to Healdsburg, Calif.; Santa Fe, N.M.; Rome and Florence, Italy; Paris and Lourdes, France and all the places inbetween. Maria and Tomas made their home in Las Vegas, Nev., where she felt the happiest. She loved the warm climate and all the amenities that Las Vegas encompassed. Being a true renaissance woman, Maria lived life to the fullest. As a cultured woman, she expressed her love for opera and an appreciation of the fine arts in its various forms. Maria was proud of the extensive art collection she and Tomas collected, known as the "Sanchez Collection" that has been exhibited across the nation, in various museums and galleries. Additionally, Maria had an exquisite taste for international cuisine. She not only ate gourmet meals from exclusive restaurants, she appreciated the love and art that went into preparing each dish. Like the chefs who prepared specific meals for her, Maria enjoyed sharing her own culinary skills with all her family and loved ones. Maria love celebrating life with Tomas, her family and friends. Her laughter, happiness and genuine love captured all those around her.

Maria's character and strong faith helped her defeat pancreatic cancer over a period of seven years and most recently fought an aggressive and rare form of leukemia. Her strong will, positive attitude, and devotion to her Catholic faith and the Virgin Mary, were reflected everyday of her life.

Maria is survived by her husband of nearly 44 years, Tomas D. Sanchez; daughters, Lisa (Eric), Graciela (Javier); sons, Topiltzin (Linda), Teohua (Yvette); grandchildren, Elijah, Maya, Shea, Sebastian, Isabella, Isaiah, Maximo and Adan. She was preceded in death by her father, Tomas Herrera and is also survived by her mother, brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass was held March 15, 2013, and she is interred in Oxnard, Calif. Donations are greatly appreciated to the foundations that Maria E. Sanchez supported, The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and The Leukemia Research Foundation. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Funeraria del Angel Conrad's & James Reardon in Oxnard, 487-4911.