Marie Sanchez

Marie Sanchez, 80, formally of Canadian, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on August 19, 2023, in Abilene, Texas.

Viewing and visitation will be held at Girdner Funeral Home in Abilene, Texas, Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Marie will then be returned to Canadian, where viewing and visitation will be 3:00 to 5:00 pm, Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Home.  Graveside services will be 10:00 am, Friday, August 25, 2023, at Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery, with Fr. Marco Antonio Gonzalez, officiating.  Local arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian.

Marie was born on December 19, 1942, in Bastrop, to her late parents, Pete and Inez Juarez.

Marie was a hardworking and determined individual who started her career at a young age. As a young girl, she worked alongside her father in the fields, and even after becoming a mother to five children, she continued to work various jobs. From being a nurse's medication aide in Minnesota to working as a keypunch operator, meat trimmer, cook, clerk, customer operator, tractor operator, furniture sander, and even a welder in La Grange, Marie was a true jack-of-all-trades. Her unwavering dedication and willingness to learn allowed her to excel in any task she took on.

Outside of her career, Marie had a wide range of hobbies and interests. She had a deep love for mangoes and enjoyed spending time outdoors, particularly at markets. Her beloved dog, Socks, was her faithful companion, and she cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marie's boundless love, compassion, and witty personality left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Marie is survived by her loving husband, Ray Sanchez of Abilene; her brother, David Juarez of Bastrop; her sister, Inez Villalobos and husband Pete of El Paso; her daughter, Susan Vasquez and husband Reymundo of Canadian; her son, Frank Lugo of Canadian; seven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by 2 sons, Pete Lugo, Santana Lugo Jr.; her daughter, Lucy Lugo Jaimez; her grandson, Christopher Jesus Jimenez; her sister Jessie Meuth; and her 3 brothers, Pete Juarez, Joe Juarez, and Benito Juarez. 

Marie's memories, love, and laughter will forever live on in the hearts of all those she knew and loved. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.