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Maria Sixta Sandoval was born March 28, 1934 to Porfirio Rocha and Catalina Jimenez of Matehuala, San Luis Potosi, Mexico; she was one of eight children. At a very young age Maria married the late Monico A. Bocanegra (dec.), moved to the United States and had four children, Juanita B. Hernandez, Catalina Bocanegra, Jose Antonio Bocanegra (dec.) and Monico Bocanegra Jr. For 50 years, she found a partner and husband Anastacio “Tacho” Sandoval (dec.). They traveled many miles together and we are certain that they are happy to finally see each other again. In a male-dominated world, Maria, unafraid, entered the workforce at the Taormina Canning Company in Donna, TX and the Dickie’s Manufacturing Company in Weslaco, TX. for over 20 years. When she wasn’t on the lines, she picked up jobs as a seamstress. Additionally, she enjoyed buying, reselling and collecting goods or antiques at flea markets; she made many friends there as she was a sociable person and was fond of the stories that they would share with each other. Most that knew Maria can best describe her as a giver; she always helped people in need. Her good deeds have surpassed what anyone can count. As a young woman, with a family of her own, she opened her home - offered it as a place of refuge, would feed and clothe family members who migrated from their native country to seek a better life in her free country. She was proud of her American citizenship and encouraged all to do the same. There are many success stories that stem from her assistance. If you ever went to visit with Maria, there was a chance that you’d find her outside, wearing a sun hat and watering her numerous flowers and plants or pruning her trees. Plants of all kinds responded very well to her touch; she could propagate the smallest clipping and create new life in abundance. As an animal lover, you might find dogs, cats, parrots, parakeets, doves or a rooster in her yard or inside her home; all saved by her hands and kind heart became her family immediately. On June 9, 2022, at the age of 88, Maria was called home by our Lord and Savior. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Anatascio Sandoval; son, Jose Antonio Bocanegra; daughter in law, Maria de Lourdes Bocanegra; great-granddaughter Monserrat Cruz; brothers, Candido Bocanegra and Epifanio Bocanegra; and sisters, María Isabel Rocha and Maria Jerónima. She is survived by her siblings, Maria Pabla Rocha, Tereso Rocha and Silverio Rocha; children, Juanita B. Hernandez, Catalina Bocanegra (Peter Anthony), Monico Bocanegra Jr; grandchildren, Veronica Monique Hernandez, Virginia Velasquez, Robert Michael Hernandez, Marie Velasquez-Saenz (Arthur), Adam Velasquez, Erica Maxine Silva (Michael), Jessica Anthony and Yesenia Bocanegra (Christian Cruz); 20 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We will miss her wisdom, her modesty enveloped in wittiness, her beautiful smile and contagious laugh.
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