Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Geraldine Sandor Obituary
She is survived by her sons Andrew Sandor (Erzsébet Izsó) and Jim Zion (Gloria Zion) and her grandsons, Sebestyén and Benedek. She was predeceased by her husband, David Sandor, and her son, Tim Sandor.
Born in Oakland, CA, to Gordon and Esther Graham, she spent her childhood in Oakland, attending Bishop O'Dowd High School. (She held a monthly Zoom call with nearly all of her high school classmates and still attended reunions yearly.)
She was a lively spirit in high school and has driven a series of convertible sports cars ever since. We are not sure the nuns approved. She unknowingly crossed paths with her future husband at a high school swim meet. She graduated from college at UC Berkeley and was both an excellent student and (no surprise) a legendary party girl with her sorority.
Geri was most proud of being one of the very few women to matriculate at Berkeley School of Law in Fall 1964. It was there that she met her future husband, David, on the first day of classes.
After graduating law school in 1967, she and her husband moved to Irvine, California where they raised Andrew and Tim. Though she had been out of law school for years raising children and teaching pre-law courses at UC Irvine, she passed the California bar on the first try in 1975 and set up her own family law practice near Fashion Island. She was a fierce, dedicated and ethical advocate for her clients until her retirement in 2014.
Throughout her life, she remained a passionate Cal Bears fan, knitting her way through many a tough loss at Memorial Stadium. She and her husband co-founded University Synagogue in Irvine, helping to create a vibrant community for progressive Jews in Orange County. And, she loved travelling, including to New Zealand, Iceland, Morocco, Israel, Thailand, South Africa, Eastern Europe and, just weeks before her death, to Cape Cod with long-time friends.
Geri will be well remembered. Once she made a friend – it was for life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Geraldine Sandor
Sari Dorman - Nims
August 18, 2025
To all of my Sandor friends....
I am so sorry to hear of Geri's passing. I know what a strong woman she has always been and how supportive she was with her dearly beloved family and friends. I send my condolences to all of you along with warm friendship that has been part of our lives since our childhood.
Warmly,
Sari
Larry Paul
August 12, 2025
My condolences to the family.
Bob Yesk
August 11, 2025
When my mother died, Gerry came up to me when it was time to shovel dirt on the coffin and told me that she had brought chocolate to throw in the grave instead because my mother loved chocolate. We stood there together and she threw it in. I´ll never forget that moment and what a beautiful gesture it was.
Jeffrey Beckwith
August 11, 2025
I met Geri in Physical Therapy many years ago after knee surgeries. Three times a week for a 90 minutes at a time for three months, we became friends. To make rehab more tolerable, we began Cookie Fridays. We would each bring two dozen homemade cookies to share. We had a friendship with its origin in baking. Geri was one of the most vibrant women I have ever known. My heart goes out to her family and friends. Mine is broken.
Gloria Zion
August 10, 2025
Gloria Zion
August 10, 2025
I fell in love with Geri the first time I met her. She was driven, no-nonsense, and full of energy and wit. An excellent entertainer and cook, she will most be remembered by me for her unselfish desire to share everything, from her entree at dinner, her wisdom, to her swimsuit! During my relationship with her, I gratefully received many beaded pieces of jewelry that I will always treasure. She noticed me and would always present me with something that would match my color style at that time. I always felt welcomed in she and David's home, and she went out of her way to make sure I was included as part of the family. In true Geri fashion, she left our world with all of the grace and charm she embodied. I will miss her greatly and hope she is sipping on a delicious Mojito above.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Geraldine Sandor's name
Memorial Events
for Geraldine Sandor
How to support Geraldine's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Geraldine Sandor's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
