OFRENDAS
To participate in our digital altar, please send a photo of your deceased loved one, their name, date of birth and death, your name and a dedication of no more than 100 words to secomm@uci.edu. Please write “altar” in the subject line. Submissions will appear on this page.
Juan Francisco Lara
1943 – Feb. 4, 2016
There is not enough grandeur in my poor soul to express in adequate words our sentiments for the loss we feel when a great man dies. Juan Lara’s Franciscan Anteater spirit resides deep inside the human knot of memory and eternity. We are here to celebrate his life and to give thanks for having known this good man. If I could sing, I would sing a soul-song, a song of struggle, a song of compassion, a song of education, and a flower-song of love for true education. A fire-song with a million flames of inspiration that neither water nor time can ever extinguish. His work was a daily dedication to the enduring dream of transformation inside the hearts and minds of his students.
– Manuel Gomez
Michael Anthony Capuano
Nov. 16, 1958 – June 9, 2023
It’s possible you’ve never met a sports fan as passionate as my Uncle Michael. The Raiders were his first true love, then the Dodgers and the Lakers. In the 80’s, he moved to Anaheim and welcomed the Angels into his heart, later adding the Ducks, Kings and Clippers for good measure. Also deeply enthusiastic about music, he introduced us to his favorite bands, took us to concerts and was the maestro of our holiday karaoke. What he loved most was his family, to whom he passed on his mischievous sense of humor and zest for fun. Lucky us!
– Cara Capuano
Francine J. Kubasek
Aug. 15, 1952 – Dec. 6, 2023
Francine Granack/Kubasek was born in Whittier. She attended St. Paul High School, received her undergraduate degree at CSUF and her Master’s in Elementary School Administration at Loyola Marymount. She loved education! We were blessed to know her as “Mom” or the one who would stay up late listening to NPR or who would take us for after-school snacks and chit chat. Francine was truly an academic who had a quick wit and was fast with a joke when one was needed. In her final months, after metastatic uterine and brain cancer, her faith never faltered. We miss Francine, our mother, sister, wife, friend, and teacher every day. May Francine’s true warmth and kindness continue to shine on all who knew her!
– The Kristiana Kubasek and Andrew Kubasek Families
Patricia Khine and Michael Khine
April 19, 1945 — Oct. 3, 2021 (Patricia)
March 3, 1933 — Nov. 23, 2022 (Michael)
Mom and Dad: Words cannot adequately express my infinite love for you. I miss you every day. Everything I am is all because of you — the sacrifices you made for me, the unconditional love you showered me with. You were my Angels on Earth and now my Angels in Heaven.
– Michelle Khine, Ph.D.
Donald L. Johnson
Nov. 3, 1954 – Sept. 16, 2023
Coach Don, as he was affectionately known, was a devoted family man, mentor, Christian and all-around good person. He coached football at UCLA and at the University of Nevada Reno, as well as for the Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. The highlight of his career was coaching in Super Bowl XLI in 2006. He loved family gatherings with friends, family and his players. You were never a stranger with Coach Don.
– Denise Johnson and family
Errol
2010ish – 2023
A very good boy.
– Alejandra
Soledad Orduño Leyva
March 17, 1920 – Sept. 13, 2015
Affectionately known as “Chole” in her hometown of Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, my grandmother’s life story is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite numerous challenges, she remained unwavering in her pursuit of a better life for her family. She dedicated herself to her work as a librarian, continuing to walk to her job every day until the age of 86. One of the most striking aspects of her life was her decision to leave her alcoholic husband, taking on the responsibilities of raising her daughter while also supporting her mother and an orphaned niece. Her indomitable spirit and unyielding love for her family serve as inspiration to this day.
– Claudia Caro Sullivan
Arnold Binder
Aug. 2, 1924 – Oct. 2, 2021
Arnold Binder founded the social ecology program at UC Irvine in 1970. His legacy of academic innovation and community service is renowned and admired by colleagues around the world.
– UCI School of Social Ecology
Kiersten Breanna Curran
Sep. 5, 2007 – Mar. 17, 2023
Beloved daughter. Brave sister. Beautiful ladybug. Titanium angel. Your life was much too short and much too hard. You were the bravest, toughest, sweetest soul I ever knew. You fought battle after battle your entire life. You were the greatest teacher I ever had. You taught me patience, compassion, empathy, endurance, tenacity, advocacy, courage and so much more. Your beautiful smile lit up a room like the sun. You touched so many lives and made a difference everywhere you were. You have inspired me to use the rest of my life to help make a meaningful difference for others in this world. I love you forever.
– Debra Curran, Mommy
Dallas M. Jackson
July 10, 1952 — Jan. 23, 2000
I met Dallas while working at the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Edition. She lit up every room she entered with her witty personality, always ready with a funny quip. I miss going to see movies about dance and food with her and hearing her laugh. I miss our lengthy talks. I always think of you, my beautiful BFF.
– Mimi Ko Cruz
Bobby “SonShine” Castro Colín
July 3, 1956 – Dec. 24, 2020
Robert, aka SonShine, was a fun, hardworking son, brother, father and friend. Born and raised in Orange, he excelled in sports and music at El Modena High School before becoming an architect. With his wife Blu, he raised his children — Gina, Kelly, Rusti Blu and Tony (1984-2011) right across from ElMo. He loved camping and family gatherings. My best memory was seeing Bobby play the saxophone with Soul Inc. at local clubs. Music truly brought joy to his life and family. We lost our only brother too soon due to the pandemic but are blessed by so many memories of our talented Godly brother. SonShine is now feeling good & listening to Boots Randolph with Mom, Pop & his mijo Tony in heaven. Psalm 114:24
– Dee Colín
Josefa Fernandez
Nov. 26, 1936 — 2016
My grandmother was born in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico. At 13, her parents moved her to Baja California to get her away from a boyfriend she dreamed of marrying. In Baja, she met my grandfather, Feliciano Barrios Sandoval. They had 14 children, of whom 8 survived. In 1971, my grandfather died in a car accident while on the way to his ranch, where he cultivated land and animals. My grandmother became a widow with 8 children to support, but she fought for a better life in the U.S. Her greatest triumph was working her entire life to provide a better future for her family. She built the house of her dreams for her family in Mexico. Bless your life Abuelita Josefa.
– Maria G. Lorenzo
Luvenia Mayes Wooten Brewster Gibson
Sept. 1, 1932 – Jan. 7, 2020
Born in the Fruitville community quarters for African Americans within the city of Sarasota, Florida, Luvenia was affectionately known as “Bena” or “Luvy” and though she was my grandma, she remains one of my favorite people. “Listen to your Grandy. I know what I’m talkin’ ’bout” she’d often say during our countless conversations. Although she was the adult in my formative years, we also became friends and her advice sustains me to this day. She enjoyed a life full of love, family, friends, traveling, shopping, cooking, dancing, drawing, painting, a good crossword puzzle, her daily newspaper and a hot cup of coffee. She was so fly! I love her and miss her every single day!
– Tomia “Punkin” Austin, aka “Dr. Punkin”
Mama Lola
Aug. 13, 1935 – Dec. 3, 2001
Honoring a selfless and fearless guerrera, who taught me to love and fight for what I want. Giving up was never an option for her and it will never be for me. Mama Lola, siempre en mi mente y mi corazón.
– Maria G. Cervantes
Hermel Quintana
Sept. 30, 1934 – Oct. 22, 2022
My dad will always be remembered for his sense of humor and contagious laugh. He enjoyed watching soccer, telling a good joke, and having conversations with friends and family on current events as he was very knowledgeable of world history and geography. It’s not the same without you Dad. You are always in our hearts, and we all miss you!
– Your daughter, “May-lin,” Dr. Marilyn Hande and beloved wife, Magda Quintana
Robert “Prince” Lopez Colín
June 8, 1930 – Nov. 6, 2014
Robert “Beto” Colín was a fun, hardworking loving Pop, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend. Raised in Orange, he excelled in sports at Orange High, served in Korea, and was an inspiring, Godly man. He married his Princess, raised 5 kids, worked hard to provide yet always found time for summer camping trips (driving, no planes with 5 kids) and had fun doing it. He loved being with his family. going to grandkids’ games, and after retiring, was a founding member of UMAVA (United Mexican American Veterans Association). Blessed to have had an amazing, loving Pop and comforted knowing he is dancing in heaven with Mom and his mijo Bobby. Psalm 114:24
– Dolores Castro Colín aka “Baby Loris”
Jesus Cabrera
May 23, 1934 — Oct. 28, 2016
Papá, esposo, amigo, y abuelo. Por siempre en nuestros corazones, recordándonos de lo humilde y amable que fuiste. Lamentablemente te nos fuiste muy pronto antes de ver los logros de tu familia, pero se que estás ahí en cada momento orgulloso y feliz. Eres y seguirás siendo muy amado. Te extrañamos.
– tu nieta, Ruby Quiroz
James Kyu Whan Ko
July 10, 1939 – Sept. 22, 2022
Our dad loved to see you smile and he spread joy everywhere he went, with or without his puppets. “Enjoy life,” he’d always say. And, “why not?” His motto: “Querer es poder.”
– Mimi Ko Cruz and Susan Guilfoyle
William Michael Santoro-Kemnitzer
Feb. 25, 2002 – Oct. 23, 2002
William brought me the greatest levels of elation and the deepest grief. The minute I saw him, I was overcome by the most amazing feeling of immense love. In the short 8 months of his life, he brought us much happiness. We will grieve him forever. William was buried on Dia de los Muertos in Brazil, where it’s also celebrated. Eu te amo pra sempre, meu filho.
– Daniela de Castro Santoro
Fernando Vásquez Rivera
1930 – 2022
Amado, recordado siempre no alcanzan las palabras para agradecerte lo que inspiraste mi vida, mis logros personales, académicos, laborales que ya no pudiste ver, se contrastan con los que si y esos son los más preciados! El mejor papá, amigo hasta paciente fuiste vos, gracias por acompañarme en estos años enseñándome que siempre ver para adelante es la fórmula para alcanzar las cosas, me enseñaste de tu dulzura y amor ser la mujer que hoy soy, te amo Nando de mi corazón!
– Tu hija amiga y psicóloga La Caro
Sera “Princess” Castro Colín
Jan. 21, 1930 — April 16, 2004
Princess Sera was the bestest Mom, grandma, and great grandma who grew up in the Back Bay of Costa Mesa. Her hugs and smiles brought so much joy to everyone. She was a spirit-filled Woman of God who shared her faith everywhere. Favorite memories include food (of course), making tamales at Christmas, visiting family, making flour tortillas or carne con chile, donuts, laughter, road trips, dancing and just being together. Blessed to have had an amazing, loving Mom and comforted knowing she is restored dancing in heaven with Pop and her mijo Bobby. Psalm 114:24
– Dolores Castro Colín aka “Baby Loris”
Jesus U. Cruz
March 9, 1929 — Dec. 21, 2015
Jesus, affectionately known as Chuy, was a very humble man. Born in Corona when the Great Depression claimed all his family’s earnings from land they owned, including a panaderia, theater, restaurant and other businesses in this country, he had to immigrate to Mexico, his parents’ homeland. He soon returned, settling in La Habra, where he attended the segregated Wilson School and worked as a fruit picker and, later, at Hunt-Wesson Food Cannery. He lived in Fullerton with his beloved wife and son. He loved playing with his grandson and reading any news about his favorite baseball team, the Dodgers.
– The Cruz family