Maria N. Sanchez

Maria N. Sanchez, 62 of Spring Hill, FL, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.

Maria was born on December 23, 1960, in Arrifes, Sao Miguel, Portgual, to Gil F. Raposo & Lidia Raposo (Soares DaCosta). Along with her family in 1970, she moved to the United States the day before her 10th birthday. She spent many years in the New Bedford, MA area before relocating to Florida.

She was such a caring woman with so much love to give. Her infectious laugh and silly comments will forever be ingrained in our hearts. Maria spent almost two decades working at St. Thomas University in Miami, FL where she supported and loved so many students & staff. During her time there she also studied and in 2006 received a master’s degree in special education/ESOL. She was a fighter throughout her life and even battled & conquered lung cancer, eight years ago.  

Maria is predeceased by her father, Gil F. Raposo and her son Timothy Duarte.

She is survived by her loving husband of 15 years, Rolando Sanchez, who was the love of her life, her heart, her companion. He will forever cherish their journey in this life and her beautiful eyes & big loving hugs.  

Maria is also survived by her mother, Lidia Raposo of New Bedford, MA, her son John Duarte III, his wife Marie Duarte of New Bedford MA and her grandchildren, Mason, Haylei, Devin & Maxwell. Her daughter in law Le-Quieita “Marie” Duarte also of New Bedford MA and grandsons, Oliver & Peyton. Her granddaughter McKenna Duarte of Braintree MA. Her siblings, Gil Raposo & his wife Maria Raposo of Acushnet MA, Donald Rapoza & his wife Fatima Raposo of Brooksville FL, Maria Goretti Maxey of Davenport FL, Susie Duncan of Florahome FL, Eusebio Raposo & his wife Odelia Raposo, Alexandrina “Ana” Lagesse & her husband Michael Lagesse, Lucy Raposo, Rosa Flor & her husband Tony Flor, all of of New Bedford MA, Duarte Raposo & his wife Lillian Raposo of Rochester MA, Lydia Theodore & her husband Scott Theodore of Spring Hill FL, Tony Raposo & his partner Rosa Cambra of Westport MA. Her sister-in-law Maria Sanchez & brother-in-law Eduardo Sanchez both of Miami FL, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Those who new Maria, knew that she created an extended family of sisters with an amazing bond. She is predeceased by her extended family of sisters, Gwen Osborn, Gladys Mourao and is survived by Paula Aguiar and Rachael Rebello. She also cherished the bonds created with her nieces & nephews who thought of her as their second mom. Her niece Christina Liggett was one of those special people who went above and beyond for Maria's family in her final days, providing time, love and unwavering support. Maria's family is grateful for Chrissy & Kelly A. Ruiz who were there in her final moments. 

In lieu of flowers or viewing services, a donation fund will be created to help with costs of the cremation service & estate matters. 

CashApp: $MemoryOfMariaSanchez

 Venmo: @MemoryofMariaSanchez (last 4 digits of number is prompted are 6408)

 PayPal: paypal.me/MemoryOfMariaSanchez

 MemoryofMariaNSanchez@gmail.com 

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