Maximino Sanchez's Obituary
Maximino Sanchez, 95, passed away at his home in Palo Alto, California, March 16, 2015. He was born on June 8, 1919, the second child and first son born to Jesus Sanchez and Maria Cortez-Sanchez, on the family ranch in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, in the municipality of San Isidro. He married his wife Carmen Loza, on May 19, 1944, who herself was born on a nearby ranch. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2014. Along with his wife Carmen, he presided over a family of five daughters and two sons. He had a variety of jobs in his earlier years, finally retiring in 1985, after working 20 years for Hewlett-Packard. He didn’t slow down in retirement, continuing to ride his motorcycles until he was 85. He devoted his time to family, family celebrations, traveling and improvements to their house in Palo Alto, that was their home since 1965. He even repaired the roof, with bit of heavy lifting help from his son-in-law, at the age of 89. Max thrived on hard work and was once spotted splitting wood for his cast iron stove, in 90 degree weather. He was ingenious in fashioning repairs around the house, often finding solutions with cuts and trims to a few simple two by fours. He had a very quick wit which he combined with a subtle sense of humor to bring smiles and laughs to those around him. His recall of stories and past family events was near flawless, remembering times even the parents of his grandchildren would struggle to remember. He and Carmen always opened their home to family that may have been in need of a helping hand. He is survived by his wife Carmen, their seven children, Lupita Cox (Doug), Pedro Sanchez (Teresa), Maria Ponce (Richard), Gaude Sanchez (Ofelia), Elena Ruiz (Marco), Josie Sanchez-Manns (Vaughn), Carmen May Lara (Michael); twenty grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Manuelita Sanchez. A viewing will be held on Saturday, March 21st, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a Rosary at 3 p.m., in the Crystal Springs Chapel, at Skylawn Funeral Home, Hwy 92 at Route 35, San Mateo, CA. The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 23rd in the Crystal Springs Chapel, at Skylawn. Guests should arrive at noon, with the services beginning at 12:30 p.m. There will be a reception in the Vista room following the services.
What’s your fondest memory of Maximino?
What’s a lesson you learned from Maximino?
Share a story where Maximino's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Maximino you’ll never forget.
How did Maximino make you smile?