Maria Otilia Sanabria

Maria Otilia Sanabria, entered the gates of Heaven on March 4, 2025. She was born on June 30th, 1931, to the late Porfirio and Conception Garcia in Arkansas City, Kansas. As a devoted Catholic, Maria’s faith was a central part of her identity and served as the foundation of her life. Her unwavering love for the Lord was evident in all she did. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, nurturing those relationships with warmth and love. Maria’s legacy is one of compassion, devotion, and familial love, and she will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a member of St Thomas More Parish for over 50 years.

She met the love of her life, Edward Sanabria Jr, and married on August 21,1948. They moved to Norman for Ed to attend the University of Oklahoma on the GI bill. Our Mother always supported Ed in his career, as a Petroleum Engineer, which took them to numerous cities, Venezuela and back to the states, eventually settling in Norman. During their 57 year marriage they had 8 children.

Maria raised her children and worked as a store manager at the University Book Exchange. She was regularly active in her children's and grandchildren's activities. She enjoyed art classes and women's art groups for several years. Many of her paintings and sculptures are treasured by her family.

She intimately touched every one of her 45 immediate family members’ lives and was a trusted confidant to all. She always had a smile on her face and said thank you to everyone. She referred to all her children as her “Sweetest Sugar Babies.”

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; her parents; four Sisters, Hurley, Tildy, Lucy and Jean; Son in Law, Fred Pittman; Great Granddaughter, Abigail Watson and Granddaughter in Law, Tiffany Sanabria.

She is survived by her children: Edward and Pamela Sanabria, Sandra Pittman, Pam and Billy Harkins, Mary Ellen Sanabria and Doug Smith, Gloria and Paul Mills, Chris and Diana Sanabria, Linda and Rob Roberts, Julie and Mark Cooper. Also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Matt Sanabria, Jan Helton (John), Thomas Pittman (Jamie, Jazmine, Jaden), Melissa Watson (Jose, Caleb, Noah), Jake Peery (Christina, Madalyn, Christopher), Jan Richard Risinger (Tessa), Jennifer Vickrey Alexander (Greg, Ashton), Stephen Vickrey, Michael Vickrey, Rachel Sanabria Evans (Nic), Josh Roberts, Maria Orbuch (David), Zac Cooper, Lauren Cornwell (Cal, Catherine Otilia). She is also survived by her sister, Jovita Snow.

Thank you to Dr. Merrill and Good Shepherd Hospice, Arbor House Nurse Aides, Teresa Coughlin Tole, and Supreme Home Care Services for the many hours they spent ensuring a comfortable life for Maria. Maria was held up by her amazing family, group of friends, deacons, and clergy. Thank you to Father Brian Buettner, Jan Nelson, Lisa Schmidt, Deacon Larry Sousa, and Hospice Chaplain Shawn Reidy for praying with mother and providing uplifting faithful support on a regular basis.

A Rosary will be held at Tribute Memorial Care on Monday, March 10th 6:00 - 6:30 pm. A Visitation/Celebration and Sharing of Memories will follow at 6:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday March 11, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Thomas More University Parish with interment to follow at Warren Cemetery.  

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St Thomas More University Parish, Norman, Ok.