ROSE MARIE SANDOVAL

Mar. 31, 1936 – Dec. 11, 2018

Rose Marie Sandoval (Sanchez) passed away peacefully on December 11, 2018 in her home in Calexico.

Rose Marie was born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on March 31, 1936, to Aurora and Miguel Rodriguez. She was nine when she lost her father in a work accident. Her mother moved the family to Mexicali then to Calexico where she spent the rest of her life. She was about 8 years old when she entered a singing competition in Mexicali and won. From then she continued to sing and was known for her beautiful voice. She sang for many weddings, funerals, in the choir at Our Lady of Guadalupe and often for family and friends at gatherings. Rose Marie worked several years at Imperial Hardware in Calexico during the Christmas seasons. She was best known for the many years she worked as the Health Clerk for Calexico High School. While at the high school, she was assigned to work with the school’s Estudiantina El Cid. That year the Estudiantina visited New York City and the White House. She was lucky to work with some of her best friends and also formed new and lasting relationships with students and co- workers.

Rose Marie was married to Arthur Sanchez and had four sons, Arthur, Adrian, Mike and Mark. With four boys she was always busy. She loved to cook and entertain. There was always something good cooking in her kitchen and friends were always welcome. In 1972 she played softball with a local women’s team. She was the pitcher and earned the name “Fireball Sanchez.” She married Pedro Sandoval on July 14, 1990. They became musical partners; he played the guitar and she sang. Music was a big part of her life. She was happiest when she was singing.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Miguel Rodriguez and son Adrian Sanchez.

She is survived by her husband, Pedro Sandoval; sons, Arthur (Mara) Sanchez, Michael (Ludivina) Sanchez and Mark (Julie) Sanchez; grandchildren, Alina (Stevan) Nuno, Arthur Sanchez IV, Michael Sanchez, Matthew Sanchez, Breanna (John) Morrison, and Mark Sanchez; great-grandchildren, Daniel and Delilah Sanchez, Vivica and Luxeen Morrison.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2018 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hems Brothers Mortuary in Calexico with Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Calexico. Burial immediately following at Mt. View Cemetery.