OFRENDAS

Esperanza Sanchez

Aug. 28, 1938 – Dec. 18, 2022

I believe that names are linked to destiny. Because my great grandmother never lost hope. I want to thank you, Grandma. Thank you for bringing my fearless grandmother, Hilda, into this world – who brought my resilient mother, Vanessa, who brought my brilliant sister, Khrysti, and my marvelous brother, Jacob. We hold you deep in our hearts and will continue to make you proud each and every day. We love you, Grandma.

– Khayla Hightower

Sammy Bravo

1989 to 2020

We miss you lil cuz. Your smile lights up our lives, even from pictures and memories. 

Please never lose that smile, even in paradise. 

– Hector Ramos

Gina Michele

March 2 1966 – May 31, 2024

My mother will forever be the strongest and bravest woman that I’ve had the pleasure of being so close to. I was made by her! She amazes me even in her Heavenly form. I sing with her, talk with her, and watch the sunset with her. I will forever praise her memory and her kindness. I will love her infinitely and be blessed the day we reunite!

– Tory Romero

Stephen Barkow, MD

Oct 15, 1954 – Nov. 15, 2018

Stephen was a healer, a husband, a father, a humanitarian, and an adventurer. He embraced life with an unquenchable thirst, dedicating his days to easing the pain of others and exploring the world to experience its diverse cultures. Later in life, he became a father twice, describing it as the most fulfilling chapter of his journey. We remember his gentle spirit, his unwavering willingness to help anyone in need, and his deep passion for living fully.

– Pamina Barkow

Cynthia Joan Johnson

April 7, 1952 – Jan. 21, 2003

In your memory, your three children and 5 grandchildren dance and sing until the very end of the song and don their matching Christmas pajamas proudly. You are sorely missed but remain a big part of each of our days.

– Kate Ryan Kuhlman

Sheri Tateyama

May 8, 1943 – Nov. 18, 2023

Crazy it’s been almost a year since we lost our wonderful mother. She was the mom that every kid dreams of. She was the team mom for our teams. She was class mom. She was the one who stayed up until midnight helping me finish school reports. She loved traveling. In her 50s!!!, she went to vet tech school so she could work with me at the hospital. Her greatest loves besides her kids were the Broncos, cats and bowling and I’m not sure if we, the kids, were #1. Just kidding. We love and miss you deeply!!!

– Gary Tateyama

Armando Lara

Feb. 11, 1955 – March 31, 2021

Born in Mexico City, the youngest of 11 siblings, Armando immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s. My dad will be remembered for being loving, patient, always willing to help out those in need, humble, hard working, and extremely intelligent. He had a great mind, recalling stories and events with the greatest of details, and he had a talent for telling jokes, especially those about “Pepito.” Armando left this world a better place because he loved so much, and his love lives on through his wife, two sons, and grandchildren.

– Adam Lara

Sebastian Fransico Aguirre

June 14, 1936 – July 31 2023

Sebastian Fransisco was a sweet and faithful grandpa to me. He taught me what true devotion to your religion and family looked like. He did not say much but his actions always spoke louder than his words. He just knew when something was off and you would know that he always kept his family and loved ones in his prayers. We admired him for teaching us so much about life like how you must push through the hardships to get what you want. May you be resting peacefully in Heaven next to Dios; the one you devoted your life to.

– The Aguirre Family 

Anthony Verdugo Mandac

May 19, 1953 – Dec. 27, 2013

Anthony Verdugo Mandac was a dedicated father, sailor, and man. He will be remembered for his love of collecting oddities, which he passed onto his son, and for his love of fishing. He put on a brave face even to the end and was always happy to remember life.

– Toño Mandac

Rafael “Bito” y Gregoria “Bita” Gutierrez

Rafael: Oct. 24, 1924 – July 11, 2021 

Gregoria: July 14, 1937 – Jan. 19, 2021

Mis abuelos, mis ángeles, gracias por cuidarme. Los extraño con toda mi alma. Guárdame un baile en la fiesta del cielo.

– Marina Casillas Gutierrez

Jose Antonio Castañon

May 15, 1955 – Feb. 10, 2020

He showed his love in his own way — quietly and fiercely. He sacrificed his entire being for his family. His hard work made it possible for his six children to succeed in life. We love you padre!

– Elsa Castañon Quintana

Millie Catherine “Gammie” Stevens

June 15, ? – Feb. 24, 2009

She held her age under strict secrecy. My Gammie was feisty and daring and was as lovable as she was difficult and opinionated. She didn’t cook or bake, she wore knee high boots and fancy jewelry and played a mean game of tennis. I could show up unannounced to her house, day or night and feel as though she had been waiting for me the whole time. She loved me unconditionally and was proud of every moment and accomplishment. Everyone deserves a Gammie.

–  Stacy Skwarlo

Samuel Furniss-Yesk

July 25,2003 – July 21, 2023

Sam was an incredibly kind, caring and uniquely amazing individual. No matter the situation or setting, he had a way of brightening the room and captivating everyone with his charisma and outgoing personality. He was always the type to help, ensuring no one ever felt alone. Though the world is poorer for losing him, it is infinitely richer for having had him, even if for too short a time. May his spirit soar freely. We love you, Sam!

– Paris De La Cruz

Mildred Miyuki Miyagawa

June 12, 1923 – Dec. 17, 2023

Millie was a remarkable woman, making it to 100! In her life, she was selfless with her family and friends. While she suffered many hardships, she always managed to look forward and just bear whatever she was handed. She loved her grandchildren and pretty much raised them while I worked. She was the last of her eight siblings to pass. I like to think they are now all together in heaven, enjoying each other.

– Kat Kobayashi

Rafael “Bito” y Gregoria “Bita” Gutierrez

Rafael: Oct. 24, 1924 – July 11, 2021 

Gregoria: July 14, 1937 – Jan. 19, 2021

Mis abuelos, mis ángeles, gracias por cuidarme. Los extraño con toda mi alma. Guárdame un baile en la fiesta del cielo.

– Marina Casillas Gutierrez

Cristina Cienfuegos

1969 to 2019

Devoted wife, mother, sister, and aunt. My Tia Cristina always had an abundance of love to share for anyone who needed it. Always a good time. We will reunite and hear your laughter once more.

– Hector Ramos

Cecilia Alvarez

1935 to 2022

Abuelita, thank you for all the love you gave us every day of your life. We carry it with us in our hearts everywhere we go and know you are with us, even now. Enjoy your well deserved rest.

– Hector Ramos

Jaime Gilbert Sanchez

Feb 1, 1937-2013

My dad Jaime was a gifted artist and woodworker. A self-taught craftsman who could build the most amazing furniture. He was a proud man and even prouder of his children.

– Stacy Skwarlo

Santokh Singh Khalsa

Oct., 1939 – Feb. 21, 2024

Sat Santokh devoted his life to peace, justice, and healing. He was an incredible Kundalini Yoga teacher. He lived simply and communally with his family and other yogis and ate vegetarian. He was an anti-war activist. He managed the Grateful Dead in the 1960’s. He helped coin the term “Fair Trade” with Ben and Jerry through his consciousness raising cereal, Rainforest Crunch. He supported youth activism with his nonprofit, Creating Our Future. He created a healing modality to heal the wounds of life with the purpose of ending violence. He is greatly loved and missed. www.satsantokh.com

– Miré Molnar

George Monroe Hemminger

April 28, 1945-Sept. 8 2024

Staff Sergeant in the Air Force, engineer at Hughes in Fullerton, George was an avid runner. He completed the Long Beach Marathon five times. He was beloved Lolo to his seven granddaughters and three grandsons, Tatay to my brothers, my sister and me and loving husband to my mom to his last breath.

– Charles Hemminger

Enrique Fernandez

Hermano/Tio

Salvador Fernandez

Hermano/Tio

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

La Catrina

“Same as UCI, Death is all inclusive, embracing the virtuous, the famous, the ordinary, white and brown, rich and poor, they are all given an equal chance to meet at the end of this journey to shake their bones and dance!” …as Mexicans, our story continues celebrating the death of those dear times of our lives. We celebrate our loving grandfather, PRI, our industrious uncle, PAN, for giving us their monies to come to UCI, and for La Morena Garbancera who makes us see the future in the USA with our own eyes.

– Luisa Kregel