After a long battle with liver cancer, Maria Aurora Sunberg, 70, of Lampasas died on Nov. 13, 2024.
She was known by many as Mamie, but to those closest to her she was Beaner, Mom, Honey, Sis, Tia, Grandma and Friend. Maria was known for her big heart, thoughtful and generous soul, big smile and the twinkle in her eyes.
She dedicated her life to working with any child who crossed her path.
Maria was an avid gardener by day and loved painting in her “she shed” at night. While nothing was more important to her than family, she never met a stranger -- starting every interaction with a hug and right into conversation as if she had known you for years.
She loved to travel but would call the kids daily, buy everyone gifts, and be eager to get back home to share them.
Maria was strong in her faith, and she had found her salvation in Jesus.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents Sylvano and Lucy Sanchez; her sisters Sylvia Lerma and Sandra Lerma; her brothers Robert Sanchez, Johnny Sanchez, Joey Lerma and Daniel Sanchez; and her son, John Maldonado.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Allan Sunberg; and her children, Adam Sunberg and wife Angie, Melissa Dandley and husband Pat, Darryl Sunberg, and April Hall and husband Brandon; siblings Rosie and Bob Quenomoen, Ricky Sanchez, Sylvano Sanchez, Richard and Laura Sanchez, Marylou Plumley, Victoria and Rick Purser, Dora and Lonnie Davilla, Sandy and Xavier Amador, Dolores and Shane Peters, Sophie Lerma, Elaine Sanchez and Jeremy Sanchez.
Visitation will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on Nov. 17 from 2-6 p.m.
Services will be held at First Street Church of Christ on Nov. 18 at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
