Sandra Ann Holguin

Holguin, Sandra Ann 1/11/66 a luminous being entered the world. Her name was Sandra Ann Holguin. Born to proud first time parents, Louie and Sally (and later with a little sister in tow), Sandra's life in Santa Ana was a collage of good home cooking, laughter with friends, good books, playing outside, and love from a large, extended family. She learned to appreciate the small blessings in life from her mom, while her dad taught her the importance of hard work. Excelling in school, Sandra was an honor student throughout St. Anne's Elementary, Mater Dei High School, and Cal State Fullerton. But her greatest achievement in these formative years was learning to appreciate life. This was most evident by the caliber of life-long friends she began to accumulate through neighbors, school mates, work, travel, and theatre experiences. It was no effort on her part. Beauty begets beauty, after all, and all were drawn to Sandra's beautiful light. As an adult, Sandra's authenticity shined above all else. Sandra followed her heart and moved to NY in '01, living the last 7 years in Brooklyn. She also found her heart when meeting her undeniable soul-mate, EJ. Together they uncovered a love that grew daily throughout the last 7 years of her life. With Sandra's inner light brighter than ever, new friendships developed right alongside the well established ones via EJ, work, theatre, travel, fellow seekers of good grub, her blog, MySpace, and facebook. Whether in person or by internet, all who encountered Sandra were enchanted by this one-of-a-kind lady. Sandra was a student of life, and we have much to learn from her. She was proud of her Mexican heritage, and regularly researched her familial roots (along with familial Mexican home cooking recipes). Sandra embraced and loved life in its purest, simplest form. She found beauty and joy where most never look, and lived each moment in the moment. When she spoke to someone it was as if you were the only two on earth. Each chotchkie she rescued was displayed with the respect of a priceless treasure. Each morsel of food she ate was savored as if it were her last. Emotive music, a good book, a favorite movie, sharing a hearty laugh, playing a satisfying game of boggle, a walk through the dog park, and of course a delicious hot meal would all be elements of a perfect day. During the week of 9/28/09, when Sandra's passing was imminent, the light and love she had so effortlessly spread throughout her life, came back to her. It cradled her and carried her through her transition, in many forms: her favorite music playing, her favorite books and poignant emails from family and friends being read aloud, and most of all, the loving physical presence of devoted friends and family at her bedside, holding her hand, and accompanying her on this final leg of her journey. A calm peaceful energy was palpable around her. At age 43, on 10/3/09 just before dawn, Sandra, the light of our lives, left this earth. But her luminous essence will live on inside each of us who were so very privileged to have been a part of her life: Sandra's proud parents, Louie and Sally; little 'seester' Deanna, brother-in-law Tom, Godson and niece Max and Maya; the love of Sandra's life, EJ; EJ's mother Hanna; many many loving Tias and Tios and cousins in her very large extended familia; and of course, her countless dear and devoted friends. Sandra was a wise old soul at a very young age. Giving back to friends and family, to those in need, to the earth, to this life she loved, was a pleasure and a privilege, never a burden. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider supporting some of Sandra's favorite causes: *www.kiva.org *www.gildasclub.org *www.mskcc.org – Specify ovarian cancer research *Reduce, re-use, recycle daily *Shop at your local farmer's market *Become an organ donor, blood donor, blood platelet donor Thank you, for continuing to spread her light. Funeral Mass - 10am, 10/17/09 St. Joseph Church, 727 N. Minter, Santa Ana. Reception - 12p.m.-4.p.m., 10/17/09 999 N. Madison Ave, Pasadena.