Maria Luisa Sanchez

Obituary 

Maria Luisa Sanchez passed on November 29,2025, at the age of 94, in the city of Long Beach, Ca. She was born in Calexico California to Alejandro Estrada and Luisa Gutierrez.

She had many jobs but her favorite job was working for the newly developed Head Start Program in San Pedro, Ca. She worked throughout her life but teaching children was her gift.  She remained active in the church by teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir at Fort McArthur Chapel.  

Maria loved to travel and found plenty of opportunities. She spent three amazing weeks in Mexico City. She loved the freedom of jumping in a cab and going sightseeing. She went a cruise to Mexico and was excited when she won the bingo jackpot of $800. She spent a week in Hawaii with her daughters and frequently visited Las Vegas and  Laughlin. She truly loved traveling and meeting new people. 

Once she retired, she found creative ways to express herself. She painted, drew, designed dried and fresh flower arrangements, and made jewelry for friends and family.  

Maria had six children: Jacqueline (deceased), Rebecca, Grace, Nick (deceased), Dolores, and Norma. She had five grandchildren: Micheal McCrossin, Peter Perez, David Perez, April Sanchez, and Leslie Smaltz, all of whom she helped raise. She was blessed with great grandchildren and great-great grand children.  She loved her son-in-law, Gary Jones and welcomed our friends like family: Billy Garfield, Thomas Humble, and Kathi Wilson.

Many people have said Maria was very loving and kind, always smiling and ready to help others.  She was generous.  

Thank you

We want to thank you for your sympathy and prayers. Our hearts are broken and it’s difficult to express our grief but we find strength knowing she had a strong belief in god. She is now with her siblings, children, and friends whom have passed.

Our mother was brave, strong, and loving.  She loved nature, family, friends, god, and adventure.  She will be dearly missed