Sandra Ponce
Sandra Odessa Ponce peacefully left this earth on the morning of Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Her sudden passing has left a profound void in the hearts of the many family members and friends who loved her deeply. Sandra was a unique and loving presence to many – a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was generous, caring, loyal, kind, emotionally grounded, and patient. Though never one for many words, those who knew Sandra understood that her actions always spoke louder than words. She loved her family deeply and expressed that love through quiet strength, support, and unwavering presence.
Sandra possessed a creative spirit and a true joy for cooking, paired with a vast culinary appetite and knowledge. She loved bringing people together through food, conversation, and shared experiences. An avid reader of many genres, her love of reading inspired continuous learning, research, cooking discoveries, and hands-on home improvements. She genuinely enjoyed sharing what she learned with everyone around her . Sandra also embraced an active and balanced life.
She was an avid runner who proudly participated in the Bay -to – Breakers race in San Francisco, enjoyed playing tennis, and found peace and wellness through yoga. She believed strongly in the value of education and personal growth, ultimately earning her Associates of Arts degree with highest honors – an accomplishment she carried with pride and humility. After retiring from IBM in San Jose, Sandra spent the last eighteen years of her life with family in Santa Barbara where she found joy in Nature, beauty in everyday life, and peace living life on her own terms. She had a deep appreciation for the Natural world and carried herself with confidence, emotional stability, and grace. She was at peace with the choices she made throughout her life.
Sandra’s memory will be forever cherished by her sister, Christiane Key Beckom and husband Lee; her brother Dwight Thomas Key; her son David Ponce; her daughter Kimm Ponce Brown and husband Terry; and their father, Richard Ponce, her granddaughter Tiffany Argee and husband Josh; her grandson, Byron Brown and his partner Rashiah, her nephew Wynton Beckom; and her great-grandchildren, Elijah, Jayden, Charlie, Keely, and Julian.
Sandra lived authentically, independently and wholeheartedly – a spirit beautifully reflected in the timeless song sung by Frank Sinatra, “My Way.” Her love, wisdom, strength, and presence will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
