Mary Sardinas

Mary Kathryn Lanning-Sardinas, 62, of Quitman, Georgia, died peacefully in her sleep on September 14, 2025. She lived a full life that began on January 22, 1963 at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA. Mary, born to Nilda Donahue (previously Lanning) and Harold Jay Lanning, became little sister to Helena Joann and Harold Jay, Jr.

Shortly after, the family moved to Pensacola, Florida near Naval Air Station Pensacola until the loss of her father to the Vietnam War in 1965. At age 2, Mary moved with her mother and older siblings to Hialeah, Florida to be closer to family. Her mother Nilda, remarried Robert Donahue in 1972 whom Mary quickly learned to love as her father. Mary and her family moved overseas to Germany, while Robert Donahue served in the United States Air Force. Mary would often recall stories of her time in Germany; she often spoke about the dog that walked them to and from school. It was in Germany that Mary and her older siblings welcomed a younger brother to the world. Mary now was older sister to Robert Benjamin.

Mary and the family returned to Hialeah, Florida, where she grew into young woman. She made many life-long friends from all walks of life - from famous wrestlers and comedians, and prominent community members, to anyone whom with she could strike up a conversation. Mary had a classic look about her; she was stunning one moment and could put on jeans and tee a moment later, grab a fishing pole, some bread for bait and be just as happy fishing. She was able to connect easily with anyone, find common ground and be a supportive friend to lean on. Mary didn't just call you friend; you quickly became, "my brother" or "my sister," and you became part of her life forever.

Mary loved, was married and lost her husband, Jorge Sardinas, first to divorce and then to death. Mary and Jorge lived an adventurous life while married. They traveled and enjoyed life, and despite growing apart, they were better friends after divorce. Mary did not have childern and she never remarried, but when she loved, she loved with all her heart. She poured all that love into her siblings, their children and their children's children. She cared for Jorge's children from a previous relationship as her own, as well as the children of any love interest she met after. To know "Mimi," as she was affectionately known by all the nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews was to know love, sometimes over bearing and cautiously overprotective, but always out of love.

And then there was Titi, an apple head teacup chihuahua. Titi was Mary's companion - her fur baby, for many years. Titi was a funny chihuahua that either liked you or not. She traveled with Mary on her many adventures and when she passed Mary thought she had no more room in her heart. But she found some for her new fur baby, an adorable dachsund puppy she named Fendi.

Mary worked many years in medical support positions. She was well liked by her bosses, her co-workers and peers, and more importantly her patients. The last 10 years of Mary's life were just as fulfilling with work, life, and adventure. She fell in love with the Mississippi coast where "you alls" became Mary's go to salutation. She also fell in love with beaches of Pensacola, Florida. She lived and worked in both places for a few years and then returned to Miami, Florida before settling in Quitman, Georgia where she Iived with her mother on her younger brother and sister-in-law's farm.

Mary is survived by her mother, Nilda Donahue, older brother Harold Jay, older sister Helena Joann and younger brother Robert Benjamin, two sister-in-laws, one brother-in-law, two nieces, 8 nephews, 4 grand-nieces and 7 grand nephews. She is also survived by step-siblings Jeffrey, Michael and Debbie Donahue.

The family will gather for a private Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you pay it forward in honor of Mary Kathryn Lanning-Sardinas, loud and with intention, as that is how she lived her life.