Marietta Sainz

Marietta Cano Sainz

September 9, 1942 – April 15, 2026

Born Maria de los Angeles Cano, in Tucson to Miguel and Frances (nee Flin) Cano, Marietta was pre-deceased by her parents, brother Michael, and husband, Richard Sainz, with whom she celebrated 52 wonderful years. She is survived by her daughter, Luana (John Patterson) and grandson, ETN1(SS) Jack “JL” Sheldon III, USN (Lilly) and great-granddaughter, Lila; son Richard (Amethyst) and grandchildren, Cadet Gabriel Sainz, USAF, & Olivia; son Michael (Jeanice) and grandchildren, 2nd Lt. Michael Andreas Sainz Jr., US Army, & Emily; sisters-in-law, Henrietta and Lydia, Flin and Cano cousins, and the Lo’s.

She is the last known remaining grandchild of the Jules Flin pioneer family, builder of the historic 1895 Flin family home, now known as the El Charro Café located at 311 N. Court, and who was initially commissioned by Bishop Salpointe from Nice, France to construct the original façade of St. Augustine’s Cathedral, now located as the entrance to the Arizona Historical Museum, as well as the Old Main building on the University of Arizona campus his most noteworthy projects. Together with his wife, Carlotta, they raised eight children in their downtown home, Frances, being one of them, along with four brothers and three sisters.

Even from her earliest years, Marietta was full of life, working alongside her parents in their busy pharmacy, Cano’s Drugstore (located right next door to the Tia Monica’s original El Charro restaurant on Broadway), enthusiastically serving up soda fountain delights to customers, friends and celebrities of that era. The Cano family frequently traveled to California, Mexico City and Hermosillo, Sonora, to visit relatives. Known to be an accomplished sewer and pianist at this time, she attended St. Joseph’s Academy and All Saints grade schools, and then, Tucson HS, where she appeared in several musical productions as a choir member. Upon graduation in 1961, she worked as a secretary at Dr. Hess’ Family Medical practice. Afterwards, her adult and married life was spent raising her children, attending to family business endeavors, and volunteering for SS. Peter & Paul grade school and Salpointe HS. Both she and her husband were very active in Catholic organizations, most notably for the Diocese of Tucson, they were members of the Knights & Dames of the Holy Sepulchre, as well as members of several committees to improve, preserve and cultivate Tucson infrastructure and culture.

In the early 1970’s, she was influential in the formation of Tucson Meet Yourself along with others. She also supported the world-renowned research of Spanish Colonial documents of the Southwest by Rev. Charles W. Polzer, SJ. (deceased), who headed the Southwestern Mission Research Center (SMRC), as well as his efforts towards the canonization of Padre Eusebio Franscico Kino.

Well-connected in the Tucson community, her guidance was sought out by many for assistance and direction. Marietta left an indelible impression on everyone she met, especially with her dry sense of humor. At all times, she maintained impeccable fashion tastes, an immaculate home, and high etiquette standards. Gleaned from her experience working in her father’s pharmacy, many aspects of the medical field fascinated her. She was a talented gourmet cook, an avid gardener, and master event planner. She offered comfort to many who were ill, going into or recovering from operations, or nearing the end of their lives. She held firm beliefs, was proud of her family’s accomplishments, and was ready to be of service when needed.

She passed away peacefully in her sleep with her beloved canine companion, Sophia, by her side. We wish to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to everyone who cared for our Mother during her lifetime in one capacity or another, such as her dear family and friends, PCP and medical specialists. And, finally, in the last weeks of her life, we wish to acknowledge the incredibly compassionate and supportive Casa de la Luz Hospice staff, the TMC medical team and chaplains, the firemen from Firehouse #9, clergymen, and the staff at Holy Hope Cemetery. We can’t thank all of you enough. God bless.