Sally M. Blanco

Sally M. Blanco, was born on April 14, 1920, in Pueblo CO, the second child of Atanacio V. and Anita H. Marquez. She passed into the arms of the Lord on Monday, November 4, 2013, after a brief illness in Edmond OK. Sally learned the art of cosmetology at an early age and owned her own salon in Gonzales, CA for many years/she was an active member of the local chapter of BPW, Chamber of Commerce and several bowling leagues. She loved the various cultural events wherever she was and often took her nieces, nephews and grandchildren to theater or symphony performances. Later in life, when most people begin to plan their retirement, Sally decided to relocate to Ojai, CA where she enjoyed about 20 years working as a hair stylist and was an active volunteer in that community, often assisting with the hair and make-up for actors who were in a theater production. In 1998, she moved to Edmond OK where she continued her commitment to volunteerism and was a proud member of St. John the Baptist Church. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, painting, and also dabbled in porcelain china for a bit. Her passion for arts and crafts was shared with anyone who knew her, from learning how to knit to making ornaments at Christmas time. As a young woman, Sally was diagnosed with TB and as a result she had to have one of her lungs removed. She was also a Breast Cancer Survivor of more than 25 years but she never allowed the health hurdles to interfere with her active lifestyle. Sally loved to dress up for any occasion and especially enjoyed creating Halloween costumes for herself, or a family member. Sally was predeceased by her parents, her brother Joe Marquez, her daughter Marie Bilir, her grandson Nathan Blanco, and her sister Connie Pina. She is survived by her son Eddie Blanco of Gonzales CA; her son-in-law Adnan Bilir of Turkey; three granddaughters Terri Henderson of Edmond OK, Toni Lucio of Salinas CAl and Rugina Blanco of Sacramento CA; one grandson Tom Acosta of Oklahoma; eight great-grandchildren - Monique, Amiel, Michelle, Matthew, Michael, Brittny, Anthony and Nathan; eleven great-great grandchildren; a brother - Art Marquez and four sisters - Tola Saldivar, Annie Silva, Hortencia Pinon, and Laura Bustamante, all in California; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. The family would like to thank all those who have sent their kind thoughts and prayers during Sally's recent health struggles and her passing. May the Lord grant her Eternal Rest and let perpetual light shine upon her. Until we meet again ...... A Memorial Service is planned for Friday, November 15, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond OK. Burial will take place at a later date in her hometown of Gonzales CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in Sally's Memory to Good Shepherd Hospice, 4350 Will Rogers Parkway, Oklahoma City, OK, 73108, or to the donor's favorite charity. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sally M. Blanco please visit our Sympathy Store.