Maria Elena Sandoval passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021 from COVID complications
after 7-weeks in the Intensive Care Unit. She was born on August 31, 1961 in Weslaco, Texas.
She grew up in Sanger, Ca from the age of 6 years old. She attended Great Western
Elementary and Navelencia Jr. High in Reedley, Ca. Maria Elena attended Sanger High School
where she participated in Track. She was a proud member of the SHS 1980 graduating class.
Maria Elena continued her education at Reedley College and Fresno City College obtaining her
AA degree. She enrolled at California State University, Fresno Majoring in Social Work
graduating in 1995. Never one to shy away from furthering her education, she received her
Masters Degree in 2000. Upon completing her requirement of 300 hours internship, she took the
California Licenced Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) written and oral exam. She passed both
exams in her first attempt. Maria Elena completed her educational goals while working full-time
with her husband and her two boys by her side.
She worked for Fresno City/County Housing Authority, Fresno County Behavioral Health, State
of California Parole/Probation, Chowchilla Women's Prison.
She is survived by her husband, Anthony Sandoval of Fresno, sons Michael (Claire Fausto)
Sandoval, Marc Sandoval and her 6-year old Granddaughter Sailor Monroe Sandoval all of
Fresno.
Her mother Juanita Cavazos, siblings Virginia (George) Landeros, of Fresno, Irene (Mike)
Aranda and Rick (Rachel) Cavazos of Selma, Mother in Law Annie Sandoval and Kathy De
Orona and many nieces and nephews. Maria Elena is preceded in death by her father Adalberto
V. Cavazos who passed away on December 15, 2020.
Lovingly nicknamed Nena, she was PROUD to be the Biggest TEJANO music fan in the Central
Valley. Listening to Little Joe y La Famila was a must whenever she helped make
tamales…Without music, she was not working.
Rosary/visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 6:00pm at Yost and Webb
Funeral Home at 1002 T Street, Fresno 93721. Please wear a mask if you are attending and
practice social distancing.