Sondra Spencer Newman

November 21, 1966 - April 25, 2011

“To find joy, one must love many things.”  Sondra found joy in her love for so many things, and, in turn, she brought joy to others as a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Sondra grew up in Ohio as the youngest of six.   Often, during breaks from her job as a school secretary, she visited her family in Ohio.  However, “home” was in Irvine with her loving husband, Kenny, and cherished sons, Chadd and Andrew. 

Sondra was able to show her love through her many talents.  She was a gifted photographer and her love for nature was captured through the lens of her camera.  From hummingbirds sipping nectar from delicate flowers, to artistically framed land scrapes, she was able to show her love for God’s creation in her remarkable images.

Her love for animals was contagious.  Many people were inspired to adopt dogs because of her love for them.  Anyone who had a new puppy made sure to visit Sondra.  She was like a “dog whisperer.”  She knew how to hold and cuddle dogs in such a way that they seemed to forget for a minute who their real “mommy” was.  A visit to her home is proof of her big heart for all of God’s creatures. 

In her professional life, Sondra shared her love for learning, adventure and technology.  Whenever possible, she loved to participate in science labs and field trips.   Staff and students appreciated Sondra’s “techie” skills and her end-of-the-year PowerPoint slideshows became legendary. 

Everyone loved Sondra because she was always kind, helpful and had a great sense of humor.  It didn’t matter if you were a Kindergartener, a teenager, or an adult, everyone loved being with her.

One of life’s lessons is that we are only “on loan” in this world.  Sondra, “if we could sit across the porch from God, we would thank Him for lending you to us.”  We will always love you and miss you.