Sandra Ann Lopez

1960 - 2014

Sandra is survived by her husband Dan Packwood, and her 7 loving children: Lavina Castillo (Ron), Rosanna Perez (Joe) Frankie Weiler, Sandra Reyes (Gabriel), Justin Packwood (Heather), Sandy Wilson (Chris), and Rex.

Our beautiful mother Sandra Ann Lopez (Weiler), aka China Doll, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2014 in Santa Barbara after her battle with cancer. Sandra was born on October 14, 1960 in Santa Barbara, CA to her beloved mother Petra Ann Leyva, and had 3 siblings.

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA, Sandra had the zest for life and was always willing to help someone in need. She was selfless and giving, a quality we so admired in her. She loved life and her family. And as a mother, she knew no limit to self-sacrifice, love, and devotion when it came to her children and grandchildren.

We will miss her wit, sense of humor, goofiness, that sparkle in her eyes, and that wonderful smile that was so contagious. Sandra touched the lives of many people, with her generosity, wisdom, and larger than life magnetic personality. She was a beautiful, kind, smart, dedicated, and courageous woman who stood up for her principles, and always spoke her mind. She was an example of strength and never did anything small. She was always the one with great advice, and was always real on every level. Always making sure that everyone had everything they needed.

She had an amazing sense of humor and knew how to lift spirits when they needed lifting most. She will be missed and yet celebrated by many. One of Sandra's proudest accomplishments was graduating from Oxnard College with degrees in Liberal Arts, Science and Business Management. She received an EOPS award for her grades and computer tutoring. She loved college so much, she joined the school's faculty and worked for the Dean of Oxnard College for years. Volunteering and helping others in the community was another passion in her life, whether it is a local non-profit or someone who needed a helping hand, she was there to help. Her focus was Toys for Tots, GLAAD, MECHA, Casa de la Raza, local Food Banks, and the local Community Action Commission. Sandra also devoted her time to a non-profit she created with her husband Dan, The Great Outdoors, a non-profit dedicated to giving children with disabilities the opportunity to explore and interact with the outdoors, and was an active Board member of her daughter's non-profit for rabbits, Lucky Rabbit Sanctuary, Packwood.

Sandra is also survived by her sister Elizabeth Lopez, and her brothers Henry Vasquez and Paul Lopez. She had 10 wonderful grandchildren: Josh Castillo (Lavina), Joe and JJ Perez (Rosanna), Briana Weiler (Frankie), Jasmine and Antonio Reyes (Sandra), Cole and Mason Packwood (Justin), and Chase and Caylie Wilson (Sandy). Sandra is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, along with many extended family and friends whom were blessed to know her.

Private services will be held on Sat, Feb 1st at 2PM at Calvary Chapel in Oak View, CA, followed by a potluckIn lieu of flowers, the family requests they be sent to Calvary Chapel, 195 Mahoney Ave, Oak View, CA 93022, c/o Sandra Lopez PackwoodA special thank you to Hospice of Ventura and Santa Barbara, Assisted, and the Angels who work for them, for all their help, love, and support. You treated our mom with the kindest, most gentleness care, and we sincerely thank you Donations to help pay for Sandra's expenses can be sent to Lavina Castillo PO Box 1316 Santa Barbara CA 93116