SANDOVAL, Maria Andrea

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 01/10/2006 Maria Andrea Maldonado Sandoval Maria Andrea Sandoval died at her home in Concho Jan. 2, 2006. She was born Maria Andrea Maldonado in Silver City, N.M. July 11, 1935. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Phoenix. She attended Phoenix Union High School and married Ray Sandoval in 1953. Ray was drafted into the United States Army four months after their marriage and this event was to become the catalyst for a lifetime of unimaginable travel and experiences for a young bride of that day. Maria was the foundation and matriarch of her family. She was faithful to her husband and children and showed courage and stamina as she kept her children safe and together in all conditions, far from home and family support, sometimes in foreign countries and for many years without the support of Ray, who served two tours in Korea and one tour in Vietnam. Her legacy can be seen in her children and grandchildren, whom she loved unconditionally, as well as her Catholic faith and devotion to Jesus that she instilled in them through example and practice. Her loss brings tremendous sorrow, but great pride as the family reflects on her beauty and strength, finding solace knowing that she is at peace with the Lord and His Mother Mary, who loved as Maria loved. Maria's survivors include her husband Ray Sandoval, Concho; sons Robert, Phoenix, Patrick, Lake Havasu, and Phillip, Fair Oaks, Calif.; daughter Lucy Gelinas, Hemet, Calif.; sisters Gabriela Ramirez, Clovis, Calif., Amalia Zubia, Scottsdale and Cora Garido, Tempe; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Preceding her in death were her parents, Eusebio and Georgia Padilla Maldonado, and one brother Francisco. Rosary was recited Friday, Jan 6 and a funeral Mass was held Saturday morning at the San Rafael Catholic Church in Concho. Maria was interred in the family plot at Rancho Aurora, Concho. Burnham Mortuary, St. Johns, handled the arrangements.