MARIA ELENA SANDOVAL

1927 - 2024

MARIA ELENA

SANDOVAL

May 5, 1927 – Dec. 1, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long-time Holtville resident, Maria Elena Sandoval, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend on December 1, 2024. Maria Elena was born to her parents, Concepcion Arias and Maria Garcia Arias on May 5, 1927, in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. She met and married her husband, Mariano R. Sandoval and shared over 40 years together until his passing in 1991. She is survived by her children, Gilbert, Ernest, Larry, and Virginia. Maria Elena is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great- grandchild, also cousins, numerous nephews, nieces and many lifelong friends.

Early in life, she was a nurse's assistant and later worked in agriculture followed by work in the hospitality industry. All who met Maria Elena would comment on her constant smile and touching humor. She was very active in her church, St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Holtville. She was one of the original member of the Guadalupana Society, a standout organization that created yearly activities engaging parish members. These activities strengthened the church community and continued for years. This group also transported a large portrait of Our Lady of Guadalupe and brought her to the homes of church members in weekly rotations and prayed the rosary. She and her husband became Eucharistic Ministers and would bring Holy Communion to residents in retired communities. Also, they were contributing members in the church Cursillo Movement in the Imperial Valley.

Maria Elena dedicated 20 years of service to St. Joseph's Church as a Catechist Teacher. She prepared hundreds of second graders to receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. She along with her community of teachers were recognized by church pastor, Father Cecilio T. Moraga on July 9, 2000. Each teacher was given a beautiful plaque to commemorate the event.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Concepcion and Maria; sisters, Aurora and Berta; brother, Ramon; her husband, Mariano; and daughter, Vicky.

A Rosary will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Holtville, followed by Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow funeral services at Evergreen Cemetery.