Francisca Sandoval

With deep sorrow and abiding love, we announce the passing of Francisca L. Sandoval, a devoted wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ, who entered eternal rest on June 12, 2025, at the age of 80. She passed peacefully at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on October 4, 1944, in Olmito, Texas, Francisca lived most of her life in San Benito, where she built a home filled with warmth, strength, and faith. As a caretaker and homemaker, she lovingly raised five children, all of whom carry the legacy of her gentle strength and unwavering love. Her days were often spent outdoors, caring for her grandchildren-the greatest joy of her life-showering them with affection and guiding them with a quiet, powerful grace.

Francisca was the heart of her family. She lived a life of kindness, compassion, and fierce devotion, always there to care for those around her. Her love was unconditional, and her presence offered comfort like no other. A woman of deep Christian faith, she was a faithful member of Vision Church, where her life reflected the teachings of Christ she held dear. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Santos Sandoval, with whom she shared a beautiful, enduring marriage that stood as a testament to loyalty and love. Together, they raised five children: Santos (Pat) Sandoval Jr.,Noemi (Pete) Whitney, Alfredo Sandoval, Gabriel (Tina) Sandoval, and Nora (Carlos) Soto. Francisca's legacy shines brightest through the lives of her 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply and without condition. Her heart expanded endlessly with every new life, and she poured herself into them with grace, guidance, and boundless love. She adored them all, and her love lives on in each of them.

Francisca will be remembered for her strength, her tenderness, her laughter, and her unwavering faith. She was the kind of woman who made you feel safe, seen, and loved. Anyone who knew her knew one other thing for certain-she was the biggest Dallas Cowboys fan you'd ever meet. Whether the team was up or down, she cheered with all her heart, proudly repping her star every season. Her love for the Cowboys brought her so much joy and always lit up the room with spirited fun.

Though our hearts grieve her absence, we find peace knowing that Francisca has been welcomed into heaven by her eldest son, Santos Sandoval Jr., her beloved parents, Victoriano and Catarina Lopez, and her cherished siblings: Maria Criselda Lopez, Florencio "Lencho" Lopez, Esperanza Mendez, Feliciana Moya, Sara Maltos, and Margarito Lopez. Their joyful reunion in heaven is a testament to the eternal bonds of family and God's everlasting grace.

Her family takes comfort in these words of Scripture that reflect the peace she now rests in: Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:

For Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life at a viewing service on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held that evening at 7:00 p.m. A chapel service will follow on Thursday at 10:00 a.m at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, with burial at 11:30 a.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Francisca will be laid to rest by six of her beloved grandsons, who will serve as her pallbearers: Ricardo Perez Jr., Christopher Sandoval, Joshua Sandoval, Carlos Soto III, Gabriel Sandoval Jr.,and Brian Sandoval.

Francisca L. Sandoval's love was a gift that will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her legacy is one of selfless care, enduring faith, and a family forever held together by the strength of her love.