Maria Luisa (Lucia) Marquez
May 23, 1950-April 15, 2025
Palo Alto, California

Maria Luisa Sandin Márquez (Lucia), 74, of Palo Alto, California, passed away on April 15, 2025.

Lucia was born on May 23, 1950, in Mexico City, to her parents, Jose and Catalina Sandin. She was the third of seven siblings and grew up in a loving and lively household. In her early adulthood, she worked at a chocolate factory, a sweet beginning to a life filled with care, warmth, and devotion.

Her siblings affectionately remember her as “romántica, enojona, responsable pero también caprichosa, vanidosa con un gran corazón, soñadora y muy inteligente.” A romantic and a dreamer, Lucia was known for her strength, wit, and deep compassion.

In 1980, Lucia married Juan Marquez of Palo Alto in Calera, Mexico. Later that year, they moved into what would become their lifelong home in Palo Alto. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Juanita, in 1981, and their son, Juan Luis, in 1984. While raising her children, Lucia also worked in child care, nurturing and guiding dozens of children over the years with her warm heart and spirit.

Lucia was a passionate San Francisco Giants fan, watching hundreds of games both at home and at the ballpark. She was also a devoted member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Our Lady of the Rosary church, for many decades, where she taught first-grade Sunday School and served as a Minister of the Eucharist. Her commitment to her faith led her to graduate from the Institute for Leadership in Ministry in 2015, a proud and meaningful accomplishment.

Beyond her faith and family, Lucia had a flair for style and loved discount shopping, always keeping herself looking modern, sophisticated, and color coordinated. She was also proudly known in her family for her impeccable driving record–a fun and endearing badge of honor.

Lucia is survived by her loving husband, Juan Marquez; her daughter, Juanita; her son, Juan Luis, and his wife, Kelly; their beloved dog, Peppermint Patty; her siblings and extended family, all of whom carry her memory with deep love and affection.

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