Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
About
Sandra Cantu Obituary
CANTU, Sandra Renee
March 8, 2001 - April 6, 2009
Sandra Renee Cantu, 8, of Tracy passed away on April 6, 2009 in Tracy. She was born on March 8, 2001 in Tracy and has lived in Tracy her entire life. Sandra was a student at Jacobson Elementary in Tracy. Our beautiful angel was taken away too early. She is now with God to watch over us all. Laughing and skipping in Heaven, she will eternally be kept in our hearts. Sandra is survived by her parents: Maria Chavez and Daniel Cantu; her grandparents: Dolores Chavez of Tracy and Jose Chavez of Tracy; her siblings: Simone, Tommy, Miranda, and nephew Marcus, all of Tracy; and her aunts and uncles Joe Chavez of Stockton, Angie Chavez of Stockton, and numerous great aunts and uncles and cousins. Fry Memorial Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 1pm at West High School. Burial will be private. Donations in Sandra's memory may be sent to the Sund-Carrington Foundation, 301 Downey Ave., Modesto, CA 95354. An online guest book is available at www.frymemorialchapel.com. The public is welcomed to come to Fry Memorial Chapel to sign a register book during the following hours: starting Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 10am until 4pm; Sunday, April 12, 2009 from 10am until 4pm; and ending on Monday, April 13, 2009 from 9am until 4pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Todd Hairgrove
January 12, 2024
May she be in peace
Alexa Stringer
June 4, 2021
This story broke my heart. I grew up not far from Tracy over the hill in Danville. I watched all the updates etc on this case. This happened around the time my grandfather passed. My dad grew up and was raised in Tracy California so when my grandfather passed we decided to put him in the Tracy mosoleum. I will never forget the day I left flowers on my grandfathers grave, I looked to my left and saw a little bench with a hello kitty notebook on it along with a few teddy bears and candles. I walked over to that site and low and behold I saw the last name Cantu and first name Sandra. My heart dropped into my stomach as I knew exactly who that little girl was. From now on every time I visit my grandfathers grave I make sure to bring flowers or a teddy bear to leave behind next to her grave as well. I also signed her little hello kitty notebook that sat on the bench right in front of her grave. May you Rest In Peace sweet girl and know that you were truely loved and didn’t deserve what happened to you. RIP Baby girl!
Alexa Stringer
June 4, 2021
This story broke my heart. I grew up not far from Tracy over the hill in Danville. I watched all the updates etc on this case. This happened around the time my grandfather passed. My dad grew up and was raised in Tracy California so when my grandfather passed we decided to put him in the Tracy mosoleum. I will never forget the day I left flowers on my grandfathers grave, I looked to my left and saw a little bench with a hello kitty notebook on it along with a few teddy bears and candles. I walked over to that site and low and behold I saw the last name Cantu and first name Sandra. My heart dropped into my stomach as I knew exactly who that little girl was. From now on every time I visit my grandfathers grave I make sure to bring flowers or a teddy bear to leave behind next to her grave as well. I also signed her little hello kitty notebook that sat on the bench right in front of her grave. May you Rest In Peace sweet girl and know that you were truely loved and didn’t deserve what happened to you. RIP Baby girl!
Aimee Katz
May 12, 2021
Beautiful Angel taken too soon. Always in my thoughts... her light lives on
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
John Cheeks
March 22, 2021
She was sweet and outgoing child
Kristin C
September 2, 2020
I'll never forget hearing about Sandra on the news in 2009 - heartbreaking and tragic beyond words and comprehension. I'm so sorry for the pain this has caused her family and sending love and compassion.
Caesar Nascimento
May 9, 2020
Rest in peace, little Sandra.
Shantel Childers
October 13, 2019
My condolences go out to Sandra's family.
Gina Loera
September 29, 2019
Dear Angel.
I came across your story today . I never knew you but I feel a connection since I have a little girl. I still remember your your story and beautiful face from the news. May you be resting eternally in peace.
To Sandra's family, my deepest condolences . My heart is heavy with pain knowing what happened to your baby girl.
I cannot imagine what you go through not being able to hold her. I will pray for you. Sending love.
Katt S
February 2, 2018
Rest in peace, Sandra. You are an angel now. I pray for your loving family. To lose such a precious little girl, I can not imagine the never ending pain. My heart breaks for all of you!
Selena Dove
June 15, 2017
I'm heartbroken behind Sandra 's death because she was murdered so young. She was an adorable sweet innocent little girl who wanted to find a friend to have fun with and play with. She will always be remembered for the loving beautiful little girl she was and will be in my heart for ever. Mr. and Mrs. Cantu I'm so sorry for your loss of a sweet beautiful little girl nothing will take the pain and heartache away but I will pray for you.
Rachel Smith
June 6, 2016
Rest in peace Sandra. You were a friendly person to everyone & my condolences goes out to your family & friends for this tragic day. :(
Kevin
March 27, 2016
Rest in Peace Little Angel. I didn't know you or your family but your spirit touched my soul. God Bless.
angela newsom
October 15, 2015
Prescious angel
Michelle Pennington
May 16, 2015
Lovely child so sorry for your death and I'll miss you and your lovely smile and happy ways.
Michelle
Tina Bowring
February 27, 2015
I just watched the documentary and my heart is broken for the family. I can't imagine what the family went through and still is going through today. A lovely child,taken too soon who is still touching the hearts and minds of those who hear her story. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Thank You to who kept her memorial online.
Rachel D.
December 25, 2014
Dear Maria and the Cantu family,
No major holiday or other significant date passes by without thinking of you all and your beautiful Sandra. On this Christmas Day, may the Lord bless you with the peace only He can give and may the birth of our Savior illuminate your heart knowing what happened over 2000 years ago this day in Bethlehem brings assurance that you will be with Sandra again in eternal glory and joy. A book that has helped me to know God's peace is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I would like to send you a copy. Please email me your address at [email protected]. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. Merry Christmas:)
Melissa S
June 16, 2014
I'm reminded of this baby while watching Dr.Phil tonight. She was a beautiful baby girl. My youngest daughter turns 8 in July. I can't imagine what the family went & is still going through. I'm deeply sorry for your loss.
claire a
March 31, 2014
R.I.P precious Angel xxx
Melissa Connelly
July 12, 2013
Our prayers are with you and your family .
Andrea Thompsom
May 14, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
KIM LYONS
May 11, 2013
RIP SWEET ANGEL
Sandra Meadows
May 8, 2013
I hope that it is in some way comforting to know that people near and far know of Sandra and are praying for you and for her. Bless you and may Sandra rest in divine peace.
michelle wilson
May 4, 2013
Im so sorry about what happened to Sandra.. Im still thinking of
you after all this time. god bless you , your family and angel Sanrda.
Rachel D.
March 7, 2013
Thinking of Sandra and her family in honor her birthday. She will never be forgotten.
Tomika Gore
February 10, 2013
RIP with the angels!
Raeshawn Garris
January 7, 2013
My prayers go out to the family. I am so sorry for your lost.
sonja keesee
November 4, 2012
I am deeply sorry for your loss, I can't even express my sympathy for this young life lost . I have 6 children , 5 boys 1 girl , my sons are , 5, 10, 10, 14 , & 16 my daughter is 8 . I don't know what I would ever do with out any of my babies .
This young angel will be in my heart for the rest of my life. I cry for your loss. God bless you Sandra Cantu !
Rachel D.
March 8, 2012
Happy birthday, dear Sandra! I am just one of the thousands who never knew you, but hold you and your family in my heart always. Your life and the joy you brought others will be kept aflame by family and strangers alike. God bless the Chavez family today and always.
Wendy Lamothe
December 19, 2011
To this very moment, I still have the heaviest heart for you and your precious famiy and for losing Angel Sandra to God so soon. She is loved, cherished and not forgotten.
Wendy Lamothe
December 19, 2011
It seems like just yesterday when I left a poem for you- two years have past in a flash- they went by far too fast. From Heaven I hope you can read the words "I Walk Amid the Angels Now" You are so very loved and deeply missed sweet angel Sandra.
Raechel Celeste
December 12, 2011
I think about you so much even though I never knew you. I think about your mother too. I wish I could give you both happiness.
September 11, 2011
Just watched a documentary about your case....I sure hope that your family has found peace. I don't know how people can be so cruel and cold...I hope you are resting in peace little angel Sandra Cantu.....
Susan Allsbrook
August 1, 2011
Sandy,
I was one of the searchers in your case. Two years ago I bought a necklace of Hello Kitty. It's the Angel Kitty and I've been wearing it every day since I bought it in rememberance of you and for all the other missing children out there we are still in search of. Gods Blessings little one, you didn't diserve to die.
Renee
July 8, 2011
Rest in peace sweet little angel.
W J
June 9, 2011
When we have a death in the family, It is so hard to deal with but Ps55:22 Tells us to throw our burdens or pain on Jehovah and he will sustain us.
Jeff Nunez
May 17, 2011
Just to say its been so long from your abscenets yet you are remembered in our hearts as days go by.
Rachel D.
May 10, 2011
Dear Maria,
I was thinking of you on Easter and Mother's Day, praying for strength and comfort for you. Like so many others, I have grieved for Sandra as if she were a family member and, by the grace of God, have felt her presence on a few occasions. I do not understand why we are left to suffer in this life, but rest assured, I have great hope that our pain will be transformed into immense joy in heaven--to share eternally with those we love. Sandra will be waiting:)
Pansy Konow
May 7, 2011
As the mother of 3 and the grandmother of 9, I can't even begin to imagine the pain you must have gone through. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I hope someday you will see your child again in Heaven and give her all the hugs and kisses that I know she has missed. God Bless you!
Mayra Estevez & Rosado Family
April 3, 2011
May God have you in a special place in heaven Sandra. Our hearts go out to the family.God bless you and stay strong for she is in a better place free of evil and pain.
TONESHA
March 17, 2011
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF GRIEF AND SORROW. MAY YOU FIND COMFORT FROM THE JEHOVAH 'THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT.'
breuana perkins
March 13, 2011
we love you and miss u sandra
Alan Cantu
March 8, 2011
Even though we are not related, we share the same last name. I can't describe the feeling of sorrow I have felt, almost as if I have lost a member of my own family.... And then I found out that her birthday would have been today, the same as mine. I can't even begin to imagine what the family is going through, but please be assured that I am also grieving for Sandra. Be assured that this birthday, she is in heaven never having to hurt again. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Andrea Nelson
January 13, 2011
1-13-11
I lost a grandson a year and a half ago so I know the grief you are going
through.May this year bring you peace and hope.She is always in my prayers.
Stella Furtado and Family
December 29, 2010
Faith, Strength, and Love.
Just a few words of comfort to your family during this holiday season. Sandra was blessed in so many ways.
Rachel D.
December 23, 2010
Dear Cantu and Chavez families,
This Christmas, and always, I am praying for you and remembering Sandra. May our Lord and God, who on this day became one of us-in the form of an innocent child-shine upon you and bring you HOPE. May the hope of life everlasting bring you peace and strength on this day. Know that Sandra is with Him, the angels, and the saints in His heavenly kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him.
Arthur Widdows
November 22, 2010
Now a Beautiful Angel, We will always remember you. Rest in Peace, Beautiful Sandra.
Rachel D.
September 9, 2010
Thinking of and praying for Sandra's family. She is in my heart forever.
S. A.
August 19, 2010
Beautifull little girl, you were taken far to soon from this world. May you rest in peace.
Lisa A.
June 28, 2010
~Rest in peace precious.~
Jessica King
June 27, 2010
There are no words for this tragedy and the grief that this family must be feeling and will feel for the rest of their lives on this earth there is nothing that anybody can say or do to calm those feelings of regrets and mishaps that have occured along the way she is beautiful and will have wings the size of texas and be looking down on everybody she loves the most. I wish her mother and family well and may they get through the most difficult time they will ever have to. R.I.P. your little angel Sandra. May God Bless U.
Cheryl Andrews
June 20, 2010
Sandra was a beautiful little girl and I hate her life was taken so soon.I thank God that she is back with him lying in his arms.May God continue to give her family peace.
Teresa P
June 20, 2010
Such a beautiful little girl! May you rest in peace. Many thoughts and prayers to your family.
Sheila H
June 20, 2010
May you and your loved ones find peace in the Lord's arms.
Lauren C
June 18, 2010
God bless you Sandra, and God bless and comfort your beautiful family.
Rachel D.
June 17, 2010
Dear Chavez and Cantu Families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you constantly through this very emotionally, trying week. You have shown such courage and strength in the media. God bless you.
Abigail Yzaguirre
June 16, 2010
May you rest in the hands of the lord..justice has been served..
Abigail Yzaguirre
June 16, 2010
RIP lil Angel....You are now in a better place playing with the lil angels and skipping along the gold road.
Angelo Weitz
June 15, 2010
“Deep Within”
There are storms that flood the fallow ground,
And waves that make a roaring sound,
Such are the ways of the waters ‘neath the sky.
There are feelings that are like a flame,
That can burn or comfort just the same,
And when I think of you --
I cry.
Forgive me if I can not stay,
Or if I turn to look away,
And try to hide,
‘til every tear runs dry.
kim spagnuolo
June 15, 2010
God bless you..My condolences go out to you and your family...Rest in Peace Love.....
JOANNE PETTI
June 15, 2010
SANDRA CANTU....A LITTLE ANGEL IN HEAVEN...LOOK OVER YOUR FAMILY AND COMFORT THEM WITH YOUR LOVE FROM ABOVE....
A C
June 15, 2010
Rest in peace sweet child, your with God and the angels now..you have a loving family who cares so much for you.
A G
June 15, 2010
Peace and serenity has found lil one,its hard to believe,but there is people out here that really do care and hope that no matter what,you are resting Sandra.Please watch out for all the little ones out here,we all could use an angel :o)
Melissa Murphy
June 15, 2010
God Bless you Saundra.. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Rest In Peace sweetie!
Lynn Reagan
June 14, 2010
May God always hold you close in his heart...as he does Sandra. My deepest condolences to your family...May god heal the hurt in your hearts
K
June 14, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Sandra's family for now and always. May they live with knowledge that Sandra is at peace and looking down on her family from Heaven above.
Rest in Peace beautiful Sandra
pamela scott
June 14, 2010
my prayers are with the family knowing the road to comfort is near but yet so far ur gods little angel and you will never be forgotten
Chelsy
June 14, 2010
Such a beautiful young girl, taken far too early. She still lives in our hearts every single day. She's surely smiling down on us all, from a much better place where there is no pain. Only happiness. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of this sweet little angel. Remember her in the best way possible. You will meet up again some day xoxo
doug edwards
May 15, 2010
my god be with you all
Michelle Most-Jones
May 12, 2010
My prayers are with the family and friends of little Miss Sandra. May God keep you close and may you dance in the clouds, Sandra. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Denise Cortez
May 11, 2010
Your family is in my prayers...
Now your skipping in Heaven little Sandra...
Crystal Westfall
May 11, 2010
In loving memory of Sandra. I hope you are enjoying your beautiful day in Heaven. You are not forgotten.
Susan Quickel
May 11, 2010
Dearest Family of Sandra,
Our hearts go out you concerning the plea of guilty. You're in our thoughts and prayers every moment of our lives. We can't comprehend how someone can possibly go free after possibly 25 years after committing such an unspeakable crime. Our friend was brutally murdered years ago, she was a single Mom. The criminal got life with NO possibility of parole. This was in a different state. We guess that all states' justice systems work differently.
We hope this will bring some eventual closure for you, and some much-needed healing. We loved Sandra so much, and always will. May this new news bring you the peace of mind you so deserve.
All our love, Susan and Gary
Kristy
May 10, 2010
What a beautiful little girl and precious soul...my thoughts and prayers continue to be with Sandra's family and may God comfort you all. God bless
K Walter
May 10, 2010
I'm so saddened and shocked by this story. An innocent child lost in such a brutal and violent manner. God Bless Sandra and her family!!
Charlene Dardaris
May 10, 2010
Sandra's family has my deepest condolences. You lost a beautiful little girl, and I pray that your wounds will heal some day. God grant you and her little friends peace of mind and may her memory be eternal.
April 26, 2010
I did not know sandra,I am from philly,I saw her picture in the brown zip up fleece jacket on aol one morning,and said that looks like my daughter,then I saw her skipping and walking in the video,and said,god that could be my daughter,the resemblence was mind blowing.The walk,the hands thrown in the air,they could have been twins,very freaky.Well the story gets really strange now.I could not get sandra out of my head,one nite in june I woke in a cold sweat at 5 am,sandra was in my back yard on our trampoline in my dream,she told me to watch out for my daughter on 8/22/09,she also said look at the dates,then I awoke,I went downstairs and just started writing down dates automaticaly.I wrote down sadras birthday 3/8/01 I wrote down the day she disapeared 3/27/09 and I wrote down the day she was found 4/6/09.Then I wrote down my daughters birthday 8/3/01 19 days after my daughters birthday would be the day that sandra told me to watch my daughter carefully 8/22/09 sandra disapeared 19 days after her 8 birthday,then I wrote down 9/1/09 sandra was found 10 days after she disapeared,9/1/09 would have been 10 days for my daugher.Well sandras birthday is the same as my daughters if you flip the month and day around.So I still did not know what this meant until I added up the numbers in the dates.Sandra 3/8/01 =12 3/27/09 = 39 4/6/09 = 19 My daughter 8/3/01 = 12 8/22/09 = 39 9/1/09 = 19 different months different dates same years add up to the same numbers in sequence 12-39 -19 my daughter was supposed to go to a birthday party on 8/22/09 at some big amuesment place,She did not go,I never believed in number stuff,but these dates and numbers were to strange to ignore.Well if it was just a one in a trillion coinsidense,or if was truly a warning from my daughters west coast twin,I did not ignore it,my little girl is still here today,I think because sandra warned me.She is in my thoughts evryday,she is thought about by myself and my family everyday,we will never forget her,god bless you sandra,and your family,and your aunt angie who has been such a strong presence in your family.You may have saved my daughter,the dream was to wierd to ignore.Thank you,and happy belaited 9 birthday,come see me again in my dreams. With Luv Joe from philly
Rose
April 8, 2010
What a beautiful girl. To Sandra and her family, you are in my thoughts.
Susan Quickel
March 27, 2010
To Sandra and her Beloved Family,
You are in our hearts and in our thoughts everyday. This has been a trying year for our little park and home. May you continue to find peace. Justice will be served. We miss you so much, dear, sweet Sandra. Peace to you, Maria, and to your loved ones. We are here for you. Love, Susan and Gary
March 27, 2010
Dear Sweetheart,
How I wish you were here to celebrate your birthday.. you are a true angel that didn't want to live amongst us.. but you have and will in our hearts for the rest of our lives.
Allison Peterson
March 9, 2010
Happy Birthday Angel.
I still cry for you all the time. I will never forget the day I saw your face, I will never forget how you made me feel. You have touched me in a way no one else has and your story has changed my life forever.
I can't imagine what your family is still going through, they are in my thoughts. I am so sorry.
March 8, 2010
What a beautiful tribute to your birthday today. Even though I didn't personaly didn't get to know you, you are in my heart forever.
Torrie Holloman
March 8, 2010
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.. May God always be with you ..
You being a clown on your birthday!
Angie Chavez
March 6, 2010
Sandra, I can't believe that it's almost a year since you've been gone! We miss you so much! How I wish we could go to church and fix waffles together again. I love you so! Love, Aunt Angie
March 1, 2010
Tony & Rosa Garlock
February 20, 2010
Ricky Cantu
February 20, 2010
God needed an angel with the power of a pure innocence and chose the best. God Bless My Brothers And Sisters. AMEN.
Paige Brownlee
February 15, 2010
May God bless the hearts of family and friends of Sandra so that they may find comfort during this difficult time.
Rachel D.
February 12, 2010
In memory of the one year anniversary of Sandra's disappearance and passing, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for her and her family at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento, CA on Friday, March 25 at 12:10pm and Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 5pm. To Sandra's mother and father: may God sustain you, give you strength, and know that you are in my prayers and those of thousands more. God bless you.
January 26, 2010
To the Cantu Family-The years may come and go, but the memories of our love ones will live on forever in our hearts.
Psalms 147:3-He is healing the broken-hearted ones, and is binding up the their painful spots
Mark Puffer
January 8, 2010
You are still in the thoughts of thousands of Americans who want justice for you.
Rachel D.
October 27, 2009
Words are insufficient to express how profoundly devastated I was and remain over the tragic death of a beautiful little girl I never knew. She and her family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God blessed me with a daughter who resembles Sandra and each time I look at her, it is like a heavenly connection to beautiful, sweet Sandra. We love you, Sandra, and will never forget you. May the Lord sustain your closest relatives in this life until you are joyfully reunited in His Heavenly Kingdom for all eternity where only happiness will reign forever. Sending hugs and kisses to you, Sweetheart!
Patricia Medina
October 9, 2009
I offer you my sincere condolences and prayers. May God hold your mother and family just as he holds you right now precious child of God.
Ancilee kaye Bennett
September 10, 2009
God Bless You Sandra Cantu...we all know you are w/ the son of God and our Father. In his hands and on wings you soar. I will never forget you. Fly baby, fly ;)
Hugs,
Ancilee Kaye, USA
Irma Waskom
August 31, 2009
Sandra, you are precious to many. The thought of you will remain with me forever. God Bless you,
I G Waskom
Kathleen
August 18, 2009
I didn't know your beautiful Sandra. I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you.
Showing 1 - 100 of 3,719 results
Make a Donation
in Sandra Cantu's name
How to support Sandra's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Sandra Cantu'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
