Maria Sanchez

Maria Sanchez, age 94, resident of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, March 5th, at Singing River Hospital in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

Maria Sanchez was born in Mexico City on December 11th, 1928. 

Maria lived in Ocean Springs for 23 years. She came to the United States as an adult and started learning English at the age of 60. She was gifted with great determination, excellent memory, love for her family and friends, and love for animals. She always had a pet companion. 

Maria was a wife and mother dedicated to her home. When she became an empty nester, she decided to train as a lifeguard at the YMCA in Mexico City. Maria seemed to have no problem learning any skill at any age. 

Maria was blessed with a beautiful family who, until her last breath, remained at her side. She knew the love and support of her family was present. Just three weeks ago, she had a dream come true when her grandson, Patrick, took her to see Andrea Bocelli’s concert in New Orleans. She overcame the challenges of being in a frail condition and bound to a wheelchair to find the strength to truly enjoy this lifelong dream. This was but only one example of her demonstration of her determination throughout her entire life. Her family knew this was very important to her. This was the last highlight of an extremely full life, a memory that only lasted three weeks, but an experience she cherished.

She is survived by her daughter Claudia Loepke (Christopher); her daughter Gabriela Maxcy; her grandchildren, Patrick Taylor Guild (Auburn), Janet Elisa Guild, Alan Maxcy (Sherilee), and Jennifer Hand (Jeff); her great-grandchildren, Alyssa Faith Matulia (Jacob), Isabela Nicole Hand, Melissa Hope Hand, Hannah Grace Hand, Elizabeth Elaine Hand, Stella Kaye Box, Liam Taylor Guild, Lincoln Andrew Guild, Elijah Paul Maxcy, and Noa James Maxcy; and great-great grandsons; Jack Calvin Matulia and Jude Owen Matulia.

One thing Maria was very committed towards were the friendships she made throughout her entire life. Many of her close friends in Mexico City passed away before her. Maria’s charisma and friendly personality brought to her life new friends in Ocean Springs, some of those dear friends were the late, Betsy Ward and her current and loving friend, Adela McGee among many others.

Maria was a devoted Catholic, and she had peace in her heart knowing that she would be face to face with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ and that where she is now is the place of her eternal home. 

The family would like to extend thanks to the nurses and staff at Singing River Hospital in Gulfport and would like to extend a special token of gratitude to Dr. James Martin of Ocean Springs for his dedication and support to Maria and the family over the years. Also, to Vicky Ethridge for helping taking care of Maria with so much love and care.

There will be a memorial and celebration of life on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home at 675 Howard Ave. Biloxi, Mississippi, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Maria Sanchez.