Andra Jo Rubcic
Andra Jo Rubcic passed peacefully into the divine light of oneness on June 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, including her husband Michael, daughter Ariana, and her spiritual mentor, Pravrajika Vrajaprana.
Born in Houston, Texas, on February 11, 1959, to Myron and Joan Metz, Andra was an energetic, compassionate child whose warmth and generosity touched everyone she met. Her sparkling eyes, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness made her a devoted friend and a source of comfort to countless people throughout her life.
Andra married the love of her life, Michael Rubcic, on December 13, 1980, after meeting on the day of her high school graduation. Together they shared 45 years of marriage built on love, friendship, and unwavering devotion. Their greatest joy was raising their children, Ariana and Luke. Though Luke passed away before his mother, he remained forever in her heart and was never absent from her love. Andra welcomed many of their friends with open arms through her patience, kindness, homemade treats, and joyful spirit.
A gifted artist, Andra graduated with honors from Righetti High School before studying at Allan Hancock College and earning admission to the Applied Arts and Design program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she excelled. She began her career as Art Director at Den-Mat before founding Ad Ventures Advertising in 1987. Through her creativity, professionalism, and generosity, she built lasting relationships with clients across the medical, educational, and nonprofit communities, often donating her talents to local schools.
Outside of work, Andra embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved painting, ceramics, gardening, hiking, beach walks, yoga, thrift shopping, hula dancing, and sharing flowers she grew with neighbors and friends. Alongside Michael, she was a devoted supporter of Santa Barbara’s arts community, especially the Music Academy of the West, the Santa Barbara Symphony, ballet, opera, and local theater.
Above all, Andra’s deepest calling was her spiritual life. After discovering Vedanta philosophy in the 1990s, she devoted herself to its teachings with unwavering faith and joy. She embraced its message of the oneness of existence, the divinity of every soul, and the harmony of all religions. Her faith inspired a life of humility, compassion, service, and unconditional love. She sought to recognize the divine in every person and believed the soul is eternal, untouched by birth or death. Through her example, Andra reminded those around her that love, kindness, and selfless service are among life’s greatest expressions of the divine.
Andra’s family finds comfort in knowing she is free from the limitations of the physical body and rests in the loving embrace of the Divine Mother. They remember her as a radiant light whose joy, grace, and boundless love continue to inspire all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 13 at 10:00 a.m. at the Vedanta Temple, 901 Ladera Lane, Montecito. Swami Sarvadevananda will lead the service, followed by a gathering to share memories with family and friends.
Om. Peace, peace, peace.
