IN LOVING MEMORY
Remembering these extraordinary people that helped shape the GLM Foundation into what it is today.
MARIA LUISA GUTIERREZ SANDLIN (MARY SANDLIN)
August 25, 1922 – June 27, 2014
María Luisa Sandlin, or “Mae” as her teammates called her, was a founding Board Member of the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation. Additionally, she was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and involved in the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Isabella the Catholic #683 for 46 years. She was also active member of NARFE.
Mary was born on August 25, 1922 and lived a life full of passion and love. This was evident from an early age when she discovered baseball and took to the mound, only to become a local and regional celebrity for her pitching skills.
Mary’s hard work and dedication was apparent, when she worked at the Army Air Corp Base, followed by the Laredo Air Force Base where she worked in the Personnel Division. This totaled over 30 years of commitment to our government.
Mary and Larry Sandlin wed in 1944. They were married for 69 years before Larry passed away in December, 2013. Mary passed away in the early morning hours of June 27th.
Play ball, Mae!
LAWRENCE DARYL SANDLIN (LARRY SANDLIN)
Larry was a founding board member of the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation, where he dedicated 10 years to help better the lives of residents in the Laredo and Zapata communities. Larry was also a board member of the Laredo Community College Education Foundation.
Larry was born to Virgil and Minnie W. Sandlin on June 7, 1924 in Waco, Texas. Shortly after moving to Laredo with his family, he enlisted in the Army and became a member of the elite 101st Airborne Company. After suffering an injury, he was discharged and returned to Laredo where he met his loving wife, Maria Luisa Gutierrez. The two wed in 1944 and raised one daughter, Shirley.
Larry was ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church on May 28, 1977, and became the first permanent deacon for the Diocese of Corpus Christi-Western Vicariate shortly thereafter.
Into the arms of his heavenly father and after completing a long and faithful journey serving his family and God, Reverend Deacon Larry Sandlin, 89, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, December 19, 2013.
JUVENAL GARCIA
Juvenal Garcia came to work for Don Lupe in 1947 as a vaquero. His work remained the same for the sixty years he worked at La Union Ranch. He worked with the livestock and helped maintain the physical property. This work is a classic folk occupation — it is passed on through face-to-face interaction in informal situations. It is learned in an apprenticeship process, by imitation and practice.
Juvenal and Don Lupe had a fierce loyalty and trust to one another due to the harsh conditions of the work. Juvenal was also the official host, cook and bartender at the ranch when Don Lupe was not there.
He died a year and a half after Don Lupe's death.
SHIRLEY DIANNE SANDLIN GONZALEZ
Shirley was privileged to serve as the President of the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation, an organization that held a special place in her heart as Lupe and Lilia were like parents to her. A proud graduate (Class of ’63) of Laredo’s Ursuline Academy, Shirley went on to earn both her Bachelor’s Degree and Masters of Humanities Degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. Her professional career began as a case worker for the state of Texas, where she gained valuable insights into the needs in Webb and Zapata counties.
Guadalupe Martinez chose Shirley to be a charter member of The Guadalupe and Lilia Martínez Foundation, serving as Secretary (2001 - 2006) and then President until 2024. Through her guidance and leadership, the Foundation continues to provide funding to dozens of qualifying organizations supporting the arts, education, health care, history, science, public safety, and religious assistance in Webb and Zapata counties.
Her love for education was fostered by her Aunt Lilia, herself an educator in San Ygnacio. Inspired by this, Shirley had Rancho La Union® designated as an Educational Facility with partnerships with Texas A&M International University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
