Cynthia (Cindy) Marie (Sandate) Holcom, age 48, died peacefully on Aug.
13, 2014, in Glendale, Arizona, after an eight year struggle with
cancer. Cindy was born in Salina, the daughter of Celio F. and Betty J.
(Rogers) Sandate.
Cindy's
early years were lived in Kansas City, where she attended Blessed
Sacrament School and formed a close relationship with many cousins. She
lived her middle school years in Cali, Colombia, with family and father
(a Foreign Service Officer), and became fluent in the Spanish language
while exploring a new culture. Summers during this time, and later in
high school, were lived in Salina, at the home of her grandparents Melba
and Tommy Rogers. Countless hours were passed with friends at the
public swimming pool.
Cindy's freshman school year was at Salina
Central High School, where she met her future husband Melvin. Cindy's
remaining high school years were at the American School in Paris,
France, where she graduated in 1984. In high school Cindy learned to
speak French, was a cheerleader, and enjoyed many trips across Europe.
She enjoyed great times with ASP friends and best friend Michelle
"Boots" Smit. After graduation Cindy returned to Salina to live with her
grandparents and begin her advanced education at Marymount College.
Cindy later married Melvin, the love of her life, and began their lives
together.
Family and friends were Cindy's passion and delight.
She lived life to its very fullest, spreading joy, love, happiness and
her infectious smile with whomever she came into contact. Beautiful
inside and out, Cindy was very photogenic, her charisma and room
presence was such a delight. Family and gatherings were always a
priority; reunions in Newton were a must. Cindy was very close to, and
loved dearly, all her extended family, and was very close to her nieces
and nephews, taking time to make each one feel uniquely special.
During
her working years Cindy was employed in banking, retail and food
service, making friends and nurturing lifelong relationships every step
along the way. She was a loyal wife and proud mother, chauffeur,
surrogate mother, grandmother and true friend. Energetic and gracious,
Cindy made sure the Holcom home was a favorite gathering place for her
children and their friends. Eternally young at heart, Cindy loved road
trips, '80s music, dancing and concerts.
To the end, Cindy's
thoughts were not on her illness or pain, but on the happiness of
others. As stated so eloquently by a dear friend, "Cindy will continue
to be an inspiration to many for her laughter, love, gentleness, warmth,
enormous heart and delightful spirit. Please show tribute to Cindy by
being a loving soul to those closest to you and others you meet along
your journey."
Cindy is survived by her husband, Melvin
Holcom; son, Matthew (Amanda) of Anna, Texas; daughter, Morgan of the
home in Anthem, Arizona; grandchildren, Matthew Jr., and Alexis;
parents, Celio and Betty Sandate of Newton; sister, Christine Donivan
(Steve) of Derby; in-laws, Melvin Sr. and Katie Holcom of Salina; and
many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.
Memorial services were held on Tuesday (Aug. 19, 2014) in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be said at 9 a.m. Friday (Aug. 22,
2014) followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., both at Our
Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton. Interment will be in the
St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Newton. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Newton Thursday between 5 and 7 p.m. A memorial fund has been established in her name with
Hospice of the Valley
in Phoenix, Arizona. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
