Maria Candelaria Sandoval

Maria Candelaria Sandoval was born February 2, 1938, in Truchas, NM. Maria passed peacefully 5 hours before her 84th birthday on February 1, 2022, in Los Alamos, NM. Although Maria (also known by her beloved family as “Cande”) grew up in Truchas, she lived her later life in Chimayo, NM. Cande was a Cook and Custodian for the Espanola Public Schools. Cande enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family. She loved to have long extended telephone conversations with her friends. Cande loved flowers, especially roses. Our most beloved Mother was an amazing loving and beautiful person. She will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Julia and Pula Rodriguez, husband, Adonais Sandoval, son, Johnny R. Sandoval, brother, Tilo Rodriguez, and sisters, Lala Steele (Jack), and Floriada Rodriguez.

She is survived by her sons, Leonard Sandoval Sr., Julian T. Sandoval wife Evelyn, daughters, Erlinda Salazar husband Ronald, and Lucille Velasquez husband Gene. She is also survived by her brothers, Jose Ruben Rodriguez (Concha), Jose Lalo Rodriguez (Amelia), Corcenio Rodriguez (Isabelle), Gilbert Rodriguez (Mary Lou), and a sister, Tina Magana (Joseph). She is also survived by her very close and dear cousin, Lenore (Chono) Trujillo, along with her dear nephew, Pula Trujillo.

Cande was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Lori Sandoval, Leonard Jr. Sandoval (Amanda), Julian Jr. Sandoval (Lorraine), Juan R. Sandoval (Ashley), Matthew and Derrick Velasquez, Julie Salazar, and David Salazar (Taylor). She was also blessed with 8 great-grandchildren, Joseph “JJ”, Alexis, Ashlynn, Leigha, Alexandra, Donovan, Brooklynn, and Riley, along with 3 great-great grandchildren, Zedekiah, Marty, and Amylah.

Serving the family as Pallbearers are Leonard Sandoval Jr., Julian Sandoval Jr., Juan R. Sandoval, Matthew Velasquez, Derrick Velasquez, and Joseph “JJ” Trujillo.

Honorary pallbearers include her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, along with Betty Sandoval, James Vigil and Benito Vigil.

Services for Cande will take place on February 19, 2022, Mass at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo, NM at 10:00 a.m. Cande will be laid to rest on February 23, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.

We extend our appreciation and gratitude to all our Family and Friends for your prayers, generosity, and being with us through this most difficult time. Our sincere thank you to Anna Melendez her Caregiver, Dr. Mario Pacheco and CSV Staff,  Sombrillo Nursing Home Staff, LAFD Station 6 & Crew, Los Alamos Medical Center ER,  AmberCare Staff, and the Rivera Family Funeral Home for the care you gave Cande and our family as well.