Maria Sarmiento, age 79, of Tampa. FL, passed away peacefully on February 13th 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted mother, faithful Catholic, and cherished friend, she lived a life rooted in love, service, and unwavering faith.

Born on December 15, 1946 in Ciudad Victoria, Mexico to Francisco and Julia Sarmiento. As a young child, Maria immigrated to America with her parents where she was raised and went on to dedicate herself to her greatest calling — being a loving mother.

Maria was the proud and loving mother of three sons: Pedro, Steven and Antonio, who were the center of her world. She nurtured them with patience, strength, and endless encouragement, teaching them kindness, integrity, and the importance of faith.   Maria was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and an active parishioner at Christ the King and Prince of Peace where she found great joy in attending daily Mass, praying the Divine Mercy, and volunteering in church as a Eucharistic Minister. Her faith in Jesus Christ guided her daily life, and she carried herself with grace, compassion, and forgiveness. In her professional life she was an apartment complex manager for 20 years where she welcomed people to their new home and is now being welcomed home to be with the Lord in Heaven.

Maria is survived by her beloved sons, Steven and Antonio Cavazos; Sisters, Raquel, Blanca, Yolanda and Brothers, Johnny, Frank, Jesse. She was preceded in death by her children Pedro Cavazos IV, Anna Cavazos and her former husband Pedro Cavazos III.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 5 - 7pm at the Sun City Center funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Anne's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Ruskin Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, our Mother would have requested you attend a Sunday Mass or to enjoy an episode of her favorite shows The Price is Right or The Wheel of Fortune.

Her legacy of faith, love, and devotion will live on through her sons and all who were blessed to know her.