Anna-Marie Maldonado, 60, of Safford, passed away Oct. 9 after a long battle with cancer. She was born Nov. 9, 1957, in Morenci, to Gabriel R. Maldonado and Amelia C. Ruiz, joining her siblings; Gabriel Jr., Rebecca, and Guadalupe.
She attended schools in Morenci, including the old Morenci High School. She met and fell in love with Seferino M. Sanchez, and the two were together for 38 years. They were blessed with five children; Catalina, Rebecca, Mariana, Seferino III, and Moises.
Anna-Marie had many hobbies and interests such as sewing, coloring, lottery scratchers and cross-word puzzles. She always took those in need under her wing, giving them love and support however needed. She loved being a grandmother but was also very young at heart. She was a beautiful woman who, at times, could be stubborn, but she was also a very strong woman who was definitely a fighter.
Anna-Marie is survived by her love, Seferino M. Sanchez, her children; Catalina R. Maldonado, Rebecca R. Alvarez, Mariana M. Sanchez, Seferino T. Sanchez III, and Moises S. Sanchez; her siblings, Gabriel Maldonado Jr., and Rebecca Villascas; 20 grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and her favorite pet, Marley Marie Maldonado.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Gabriel R. Maldonado and Amelia C. Ruiz, her sister. Guadalupe Burrola, her great-grandchild, Guadalupe A. Soto, and her great-great-grandchild, Analiah M. Sanchez.
Services for Anna-Marie will be held Thursday, Oct. 25, at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, beginning with a viewing at 8 a.m. followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 9 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial starting at 10 a.m., with Rev. Father Nicodemus Shaghel, VC as Celebrant.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.