Maria R. Sanchez, 97, of Tamarac, FL died on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at University Hospital. Maria was born on September 29, 1917 in Pesca, Boyaca, Colombia to Roberto and Maria Patino.

Maria worked as a homemaker and enjoyed raising eight children. She was a strong, courageous women, with a creative mind for business. Maria migrated to the US back in 1970 with the younger of the four children, ten years apart from the first set of siblings. She fulfilled her dream of seeing her family succeed. Maria had a passion for poetry and art. She received great joy from reciting her poetry to just recently. Maria left her children with many valuable lessons and passed her wisdom and courage to her family. Taught everyone to give the best of themselves.

She is survived by her children, Marlehene de Carmen Sanchez, Luis Enrique Sanchez, Fabio Antonio Sanchez, Julio Roberto Sanchez, Marielena Sanchez, Jairo Alfonso Sanchez, Jorge Humberto Sanchez, Hector Orlando Sanchez, and Rosa Stella Sanchez; 18 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. She also leaves her siblings, Araminta Patino, Alfonso Patino, Francisco Patino, and Bernarda Morantes to cherish her memory.

Visiting hours will be held at Coral Springs Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary Help of Christians on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 2:00 P.M.