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Kesha Hondo Obituary

Hondo, Kesha Curtis, 39 of Riverside, passed away July 2, 2009. Kesha was a Professor of Speech Communication at Santa Ana College. She is survived by her two daughters Kelsey and Shelby, mother Diana Smith, father Isaac Curtis, Jr., brother, Isaac Curtis, III and a host of relatives and friends. A celebration of Kesha's life will be held Friday, July 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., at the Second Baptist Church, 4300 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana. Intermentis scheduled for Saturday, July 16, 2011, 9:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. Brown Colonial Mortuary, Santa Ana 714-542-3949, assiting the family

Published by Orange County Register on Jul. 14, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kesha Hondo

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You were such a great professor

george

School

February 27, 2023

Hey girlfriend !!!! I have been thinking about you so much lately!!! I miss you. I feel that you are at peace and happy and shinning beautifully as always and that makes me happy!!! I love you always sis.

Tera Nicki Owes

Friend

July 8, 2020

The Belle of the Ball. Sweet and beautiful. All the boys at Windsor Hills and Palms had a crush on Keisha at some point. RIP

David McGruder

Classmate

July 8, 2020

Mando,

You graduated!!!! Congratulations!!! It was great to see your beaming smile that you dazzled before the photographers. Best wished as you continue to pursue your dreams.

Kesha Hondo

Kesha Hondo
Associate Professor & Department Chair of
Speech Communication, Santa Ana College

This is her last email shortly before her passing. I still have this email to this day, and it is a way to build up inspiration. She and I had our difference, but in the end, she was just amazing and inspiring professor. For that, she will be missed and a true gem in Santa Ana Collwge. Her legacy will never be forgotten.

Mando Garza

January 11, 2020

Kesha was a part of my extended family and I think of her often. I also have fond memories of working with Kesha in a church ministry with children. I will always remember her smile and outgoing nature. My heart still goes out to her two daughters who have lost such a caring mother.

July 10, 2019

I was just thinking about Kesha the other day. I remember her friendly, outgoing demeanor and sunshiny smile. She was kind and helpful. She will long be remembered.

Karen Kinder

Student

July 9, 2019

Kesha, you were my favorite cousin and I admired you so much as a young girl. I just found out about your passing and I am truly heartbroken. You were an amazing woman and you will forever be loved and remembered.

Youzan Ibrahim

December 24, 2014

Kristin

July 17, 2014

Words cannot express how much I truly loved my friend Kesha. I was an instructor with Kesha at CSULB, but more importantly we shared every one of our office hours together, most of the same classes and shared many happy times together!

I lost touch with her when I moved overseas, but recently found out that she was gone by reading about it on the internet. I am so touched by reading ALL the posts below. And I can say I agree 100% with all the comments- she was the most positive and extremely kind person I know. She always had nice things to say about everyone, patience to teach like I have never seen in anyone. And an overall magnetic personality that everyone truly loved! She is extremely missed and I only hope her daughters know what an amazing women and inspiration their mother was and IS!!! I will always remember Kesha and send all my love to her family!! Miss you so much!

Kristin

July 17, 2014

Kesha, you will forever be remembered in every heart that you touched.

Taylor

May 25, 2014

Kesha.I am thinking of you and that big beautiful smile! I miss you!

Lisa Medina

March 6, 2013

Keesha, I remember looking you up in the Fall 2012 Class schedule just to see what classes you were offering, so I could recommend you to fellow students, and saw that you were offering none. I figured you had decided to teach elsewhere. I was just thinking about you today and decided to google you and, sadly, I found your obituary. I pray for comfort for your beautiful daughters family and friends and to see you again in Heaven one day. Rest in love, Kesha!

December 19, 2012

Kesha, not a day goes by that I don't think about you!! After 25 years of friendship I am really struggling and hurt by your passing. You were the sweetest person I ever met. You were my first love and I will always have a special place in my heart for you. I wish I could have been there for you to protect you. Rest in peace beautiful!!

Ant

March 6, 2012

you were the light to all of my days you were an amazing professor @SAC..I love walking into your class and seeing your beautiful smile and hearing your laugh.. I am going to miss you so much Prof. Kesha. you were a beautiful person inside and out...I will miss hearing your sweet sweet voice....

eleanor soria

November 17, 2011

I found out early Aug. but I kept telling myself it had to be a dream. Kesha was my sister-in-law, she was in my wedding, she was there for me in my time of need and supported me through my storms and never spoke of her own. God doesn't make mistakes so I will not question. I pray for you, your mother, brother, and your two beautiful daughters. May he keep them safe. Rest in peace Kesha.

Keya Curtis

September 2, 2011

I just found out today that one of my professor's passed away. I was always eager to attend her class. She was loved by everyone in the class. I was shy about talking in front of people but being in her class made me less nervous. She always had a smile on her face she was also a nice and friendly person. I will miss her stories that she always told during class. My prayers go out to her family. May she rest in peace.

Jetsabeth Jaimes

August 23, 2011

I've never has a professor so loving and caring as you were to not only me but ALL of your students. I can honestly say there will never be a professor out there, like you. Your warm smile and approachable ways changed my point of view about school and SPEECH in particular. You got me to come out of my shell...and although I was still scared to speak out in front of other students in class, speaking to you was never hard at all. You saw the best in everyone and im sure anyone who got to know you or speak to you have been impacted by this for you were one in a million to touch the hearts of the people you surround... My sympathy and condolence goes out to your family.

Natasha Peters

August 19, 2011

I have just learned of Kesha's passing and am so incredibly saddened by this tremendous loss. I am still in shock. You are such a lovely, warm, and wonderful person. I will miss you tremendously. My thoughts and prayers are with your girls and your family.

Lisa Quezada

August 9, 2011

I am lost for words. My condolences to the family. Michael Reed

Michael Reed

August 1, 2011

I met Kesha though the girls elementary school. Her daughter and my daughter went to school together and shared play dates. She helped out at the school with every activity they had. She was dedicated and all the kids loved her. Her smile and generosity will be missed by all the children. My daughter and I will miss Kesha and the girls... I hope one day our paths will cross again. Rest in peace. Will always remember your beautiful smile and your big heart...

Kandi & Nicolle

August 1, 2011

Issac and Dianna,
May your heart be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times.

Dianne Poole-Morris

July 31, 2011

Kesha,
My dear friend. I miss you! I miss your beautiful smile, your laugh, and your joy. I miss the good times we had together. Words cannot describe my shock and dismay at your passing. It was too early! You had so much life left to live. I have many happy memories of our times together. But I am extremely saddened because we were not finished making memories together. My friend, you will always be with me. My prayers are with your family, especially Kelsey and Shelby.
Love your sister in Christ (and your sister professor from CSUF),

Christie Gardiner

July 31, 2011

Kesha, we only met a year and half ago at Santa Ana College, at your classroom's podium. Later, we joked about how it was like the scene from the Titanic at the back of the ship, where Rose says to Jack, "This is where we met!" I miss you so much. You are very much in my heart. I can still hear your laughter and see your smile in my mind.

Ermina Tung

July 30, 2011

i had kesha for an interpersonal communication class and i could never forget her i would always recommend her to my fellow colleagues she she just awesome i remember how good she talked about her husband, her 3 daughters and her grandmother. i rememmber once she said that her husbands pet peeve was when she would squeeze the toothpast bootle from the middle so he bought her a squeeze ring for her tooth paste. i remember her laughhh and her beautiful face. MAY BE REST IN PEACE

dulce garcia

July 30, 2011

Kesha,

Although I did not know you extremely well and only had the pleasure of meeting you on a few occasions, you still left an indelible mark on my soul. I, unfortunately, just found out about the tragic ending yesterday through acquaintenances and friends but, my soul weeped so deeply for your daughters and just knowing that you were a special spirit. Just as others have stated and confirmed to me that your smile was so warm and endearing. You definitely stood out to me as we made a connection with our education careers and experiences. I am so sad for the loss we have here on earth but I rejoice for heaven's gain. My prayer is that your daughters find so much love and comfort in your beautiful memory.

May God Bless Your Daughters.

Adjoa Sprewell

July 25, 2011

Kesha we went to Windsor Hills, Palms and Uni together. You were a wonderful friend and person. The last time I saw you was '93 when I was starting USC Law School and I bumped in to you as you were looking at going to USC as well. I am glad to see that you became a professor. To Isaac you may remember me from those Triangle Park football games. Glad to see that you took your football to College. I have been praying for your family. Kesha was always the prettiest girl in school and one of the nicest. She will be missed.

David McGruder

July 22, 2011

nicki owes

July 20, 2011

Kesha was a childhood friend that profoundly changed my life despite our young ages. I have not ever forgotten u & never will. Ur spirit touched mine in ways I will never be able to fully explain. I am praying for u & ur family, especially ur girls. I will miss u so much. Rest peacefully girl.. God is with u & urs. I love u & I wish I had had the opportunity to share that with u. Ur light still shines.

Nicki Owes

July 20, 2011

Isaac...we are so sorry for your tragic loss. We know your world is turned upside down and we just want you to know that your "Cincinnati family" is here for you-always. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Henry Harris

July 19, 2011

Kesha,
You will be missed by all who knew you. Your smile lit up every room you walked into. You were a great mom and if we have the chance to remain in the girls lives I promise to never let them forget you.I was proud to call you friend. Thank you for the good times. Rest in peace

Denise Grimes

July 18, 2011

Mrs. Hondo,
Words cant explain how much you are loved..You will forever be missed and that smile of yours will never be forgotten. I am thankful for having the opportunity to meet such an amazing Professor. Rest in heven. My thoughts and prayers are with your girls.

Eva Camarena

July 18, 2011

thank you for the smiles you gave, the advice you dispensed, the love you spread, the confidence you instilled, and the patience you endured. you were, and definately remain, an inspiration and a role model. though your flame was extinguished too suddenly, your light will forever shine bright. your spirit lives on in all of us who had the great pleasure of knowing you, and your legacy will carry on through your beautiful girls. rest in peace ms. hondo.

susene dadsi

July 17, 2011

I can't believe your gone. I was your student last semester (spring 2011) at SAC. I will never forget your big smile. My condolences to the family Curtis.

Mayra Hernandez

July 16, 2011

My deepest and greatest thanks and regards go out to you Mrs. Hondo. You were an amazing teacher with an incredibly bright personality. You will be missed. My deepest condolences to your family. May you rest in peace.

Wendy Paulino

July 16, 2011

Kesha, thank you for the love you gave to our students, our colleagues, your friends and family, and everyone with whom you came in contact. We will miss your bright shining light. Thank you so much for being a role model to all of us, a role model to become better at listening, better at giving, better at loving. Thank you dear. We love you. - a colleague at SAC

Michael Lewis

July 16, 2011

Ms. Hondo I will always remember as a great person and with a big smile, you were the best teacher I have ever had, God bless your family and your girls. Thank for brightening our lifes.

Maria Garcia

July 15, 2011

R.I.P Mrs. Hondo
I still can't believe your gone.
I'm so glad I had you as my professor last semester (spring 2011), but who ever thought that it will be your last time being at Santa Ana College. You wil be truly missed!

Maribel H.

July 15, 2011

Saying that Professor Hondo was inspirational and could brighten any room she walked into will be doing her a disservice. No amount of words will truly describe Professor Hondo's personality both in and, I am sure, outside the classroom. Whether you had known Professor Hondo for many years or you met her briefly, the experience is the same; she was a magnet capable of interacting with anyone she met at every level with her usual beaming smile. Professor Hondo, you will be greatly missed by those of us whom you touched with your inspirational words and influenced both in and outside the classroom. May the Lord rest you in peace. And may the Lord bless your family.

Samwel Basweti

July 15, 2011

My deepest Condolences for the Curtis Family. Kesha will be missed. Much Respect.... Tish Bradley (Los Angeles, CA)

Tish Bradley

July 15, 2011

May God take you soul and bless your children.

Thomas & Paula Fisher

July 15, 2011

All my prayers and thoughts are with the family
I Had met Kesha @ her girls school..she always had a smile.she was a magnificent mother.. and person she will be miss..

July 15, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends as Kesha will truly be missed. I am Kesha's uncle by marriage to her Aunt Linda Pierce-Hunt. We were in Long Beach at Keash's wedding years ago and she was a happy and beautiful bride. I will never forget her smile and wit...

Carl Hunt

July 15, 2011

All my prayers and thoughts are with the family. My deepest sympathies. Bless you all. Ron Thomas (Los Angeles,CA)

July 15, 2011

Mrs. Hondo, Having you as a professor was truly a blessing. Everyday you walked into class with the brightest smile loving life. you inspired me to be a more positive person and I aspire to love life as much as you did. I can honestly say that I have never met a more beautiful person inside and out like you. I admired you for your kindness and positive energy. Here on earth we lost a magnificent mother, friend, and teacher but heaven has gained an amazing angel. I know you will be watching over your beautiful girls that you loved soooo dearly. May you rest in peace Mrs. Kesha Hondo. I will never ever forget you professor! :)

erica

July 14, 2011

I was Prof. Kesha Hondo's student at CSULB 10 years ago, yet I still remember so much about her: her smile, her voice, her passion for football, and the way she created a warm and welcoming classroom community. Few professors are able to really bring students together the way she did. Her bright spirit united us in a special way. All of these years later I continue to carry her light as a woman of color who also has aspirations to be a professor. She will always serve as an inspiration to me and to other scholars, mujeres, and individuals who dedicate their lives to teaching, learning, and giving.

Diane Mendoza

July 14, 2011

Professor Kesha, you are the most wonderful teacher ever I've met! I won't forget our memories in class. Thank you for making me to get involved with the groups what I had learned. You've never forgotten as always! God Bless You

Janice Chang

July 14, 2011

Kesha,

Colleague, friend, and professor. You were vibrant and strong. You were resilient and determined. You were such a gift to the profession of Communication Studies. Your light should never have been extinguished. Our hearts are broken and we have been grieving every day since we knew of your death. ..your soul, your daughters, and your family are continually in our thoughts and prayers. Stella

Stella Madrigal

July 14, 2011

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Emmett/Essie Bowers

July 14, 2011

Emmett/Essie Bowers

July 14, 2011

Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded! ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

And this, was my friend Kesha. She will be deeply missed. Those of us who knew her were truly blessed. Our job is to now pass on to others what she gave to us, and that becomes her legacy.

Suzanne Freeman

July 14, 2011

What an extraordinary friend, fellow student, and colleague you were. Thank you for making such a positive mark on me and others in the community. Please RIP Kesha, Cat

July 14, 2011

May God Keep His Loving Arms Around You And Give You Peace, Comfort And Strength Now And Always.....My Prayers Are With You.

Kimberly Tucker

July 14, 2011

Kesha you were a truly beautiful individual inside and out.You were both encouraging, and insightful; intellectual, and down to earth.You are the reason I am becoming a communications professor. I will miss our talks most off all.I feel like a piece of me has been ripped away I only hope that you are in heaven sitting on a piano singing and scatting your favorite song: Strange Fruit

Barry Lyrse

July 14, 2011

It was a pleasure to have met you and have you as a professor. I am only one among many who will miss and remember you. God bless your girls and family.

Karen Kinder

July 14, 2011

Kesha Hondo was my favorite professor/friend at Santa Ana College. She would always go out of her way to greet everyone that walked into the classroom, with her beautiful smile and warm hello. She loved her little girls so much and spoke of them often. She will be greatly missed. I will be praying for her family. God bless.

Erin Albright

July 14, 2011

I am so glad I knew her and was able to meet her daughters. Kesha was one of the very bright lights around here with a wonderfully infectious, positive personality. We will miss her always. Love and hugs to the girls.

Caroline McCabe

July 14, 2011

Kesha Hondo was my professor for a communications course I took at SAC. She had a wonderful energy and enthusiasm for teaching and life in general. I needed this course for grad school pre-req and even though I was low on the waiting list she gave me the opportunity to be in her class. I'm so thankful she gave me that opportunity. I got to know her through her intimate responses to our discussion assignments about interpersonal relationships. She was always so positive and helpful. I enjoyed her class very much. My heart goes out to her daughters that she spoke of often. It is sad to know that such a wonderful person, who touched the lives of so many can be taken from the world in such a tragic manner. My condolences to her family, friends, and students. RIP Kesha Hondo.
Sincerely,
Xochitl Cubero

Xochitl Cubero

July 14, 2011

Kesha was loved and is loved for all she was to everyone. She was such a bright light to all of us!

My thoughts and prayers are with and for Kelsey and Shelby and the entire family.

Jessie Allen

July 14, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Zoila

July 14, 2011

My heart brakes for the girls. You were superb in every way.
I miss you my lovely friend,
Kirran

July 14, 2011

Mrs. Hondo was my speech teacher last fall semester. She was an extraordinary instructor. I learned so much from her and taught me how to communicate better. Her class was like therepy. She was very kind and full of life. The best instructor by far! I spoke about her to my friends and family of how awesome she was and how much I was learning from her class. She gave me an A =)
I will pray for her children and also for her family and the family of her husband as they are also hurting. God will watch over her children. God bless you.

Cassandra Renteria

July 14, 2011

Mrs. Hondo was truly an inspiration. Her smile and bubbly personality could light up any room! I can't believe she is gone. She genuinely cared and believed in her students. She was more than a teacher, she was a friend!

July 14, 2011

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