Refugia "Cuca" M. Sandoval

Refugia "Cuca" Munoz Sandoval was born July 4, 1912 in Monterrey, Mexico, eldest of 8 children born to mexican immigrants, Flavio Contreras Sandoval, Sr. of San Luis Potosi, Mexico and Apolonia Munoz Sandoval, of Monterrey, Mexico. Cuca came with her parents from Mexico at the age of 4 in 1916. Don Flavio brought his family to Texas in search of the "American Dream".

When most young people her age were out enjoying, a carefree time with their friends, Cuca was learning how to run a household and help her mother with the care of her 7 younger brothers and sisters as her father worked long hours to establish his grocery, dry goods, and textiles business to provide for his family.

Ever vigilant, Cuca, had always been a strong family-oriented person, concerned with the wellbeing and care of family members, ready to provide help and support whenever a crisis presented itself. Due to the patriarchs' failing health, eldest brother, Flavio, Jr. took over the grocery business until he was stricken with cancer, whereby Cuca stepped in to assist her brother and sister-in-law, Juanita Galindo Sandoval, in whatever was needed to maintain the business afloat.

Cuca devoted her life to caring for both of her parents up until their deaths, including caring for and assisting sister, Maria De Jesus (Susie), who later was afflicted with Parkinsons. Although Cuca never married, she raised one of her nieces, Gloria Sandoval-Lara, from the age of 2 1/2 years of age, worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 13 years, and was one of 101 Latina Women nominees honored by the Austin History Center in 2011 for their influence and participation in community and business affairs.

The summation of her life can be measured not by great accomplishments, material wealth or greatness, but rather by how she lived her life according to her religious and moral convictions, her innumerous acts of kindnesses, including putting aside whatever dreams she may have had for herself, and choosing instead to make sacrifices, big and small for her family and others who were blessed to be touched by her unflinching devotion, loving and caring soul.

In jubilation of a remarkable century-long lifespan, innumerous family members and friends were in attendance at a surprise 100th 4th of July birthday celebration.

She is preceded in death by both parents, Flavio Contreras, Sr, and Apolonia Munoz Sandoval; brothers, Flavio, Jr. and Rosalio Sandoval; sisters, Guadalupe Sandoval, Gregoria Cazares, Maria De Jesus (Susie) Castro, Selsa Gonzalez and Benita Gatica.

Cuca is survived by her daughter, Gloria Sandoval-Lara, her children, Amanda Lara, and Patrick Ross Lara whom she considered her grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue with Recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 7:00 pm. Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt Calvary Cemetery.