After fighting a long and difficult battle with heart surgery complications, Abbie Sandoval died Tuesday evening January 17, 2012.  She was surrounded by family and friends at Christopher Hospice Care Center in Austin, Texas.  This remarkable woman with a heart as big as Texas was born in Beeville, Texas to Bernardo and Maria (Buentello) Sandoval on June 10, 1928.  Abbie worked for many years at the historic Welder Ranch in Sinton, Texas.  She raised four children and often held two jobs to support her family. In addition to raising and supporting four children, she found time to attend evening classes and received her GED diploma at the young age of 55.

Abbie loved to cook for friends and family.  They all found refuge and nourishment at her house whether they were visiting her or just passing by on their way to or from the coast.  Young and old both found comfort and consulation at Miss Abbie’s home.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bernardo and Maria Sandoval, twin sister Margaret Garcia and brother Bernie Sandoval.  She is survived by her daughters Clara Morin and Emily Gonzales; son Joe Henry Morin and his wife Lupe; brothers Ralph Sandoval (Beatriz) and Eliseo Sandoval (Sally); sister Mary Jane Sandoval; grandchildren Matthew Orta (Adriana), Sara Perez (Perry), Mario Morin (Becky), Marcos Morin (Amanda), and Brittany Gonzales; great grandchildren Isabella Orta, Alejandro Perez, Nicholas Orta, Mia Perez, Chole Orta, and Andres Perez.  Abbie was a woman of strong faith who deeply believed in the power of prayer. Her eternal optimism and unconditional love for her family were her most endearing qualities.  All those who were fortunate to know Abbie will attest to her loving, compassionate and generous nature.

Pallbearers for the funeral include: Matthew Orta, Perry Perez, Jimmy Sandoval, Michael Garcia, Mario Morin, Marcos Morin, Juan Gonzales and Oscar Orta.  Nicholas Orta and Alejandro Perez will serve as honorable pallbearers.

Visitation will begin Friday, January 20, 2012, 5:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel in Sinton, Texas.  A rosary will follow the same evening, 7:00 PM, at the funeral home.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 21, 2012, 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church located at 725 Sodville Road in Sinton, Texas.  Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home

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