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Your thoughts Prayers & Stories about Lala

When my aunt Lala  and uncle Phil would come down fora visit I knew it was going to be fun.  Laughter, food,music and family is what I remember most about my  Tia Lala. I am going to miss her .  Cousin Terry

I love you mom. I love you with all my heart and I miss you so much.  Debbie

 

Although I heard so many beautiful things about Lala and her husband, Phil, I never had the opportunity to meet her. I hope someday I'll get to meet her better half. These stories came to us from their dear friends Tino & Henrietta (Henri) my unforgettable father and mother in laws which we lost too soon. However, one particular story I do recall Henri always praising Lala for taking such good care of her during a visit to California. Evidently Henri fell ill while staying with Phil and Lala and immediately Lala came to the rescue and pampered Henri back to health. What an angel! Phil you were blessed and now you've an angel watching over you. God bless you and your family and we hope to see you in Chicago soon. Your Chicago Family.  Gil & Laura Perez

My family and the Sandoval's were neighbors in San Jose. I remember the gatherings at the Sandoval home and LaLa's beautiful smile. Throughout the years my brother, sister and I went to school with the Sandoval's children. Over time, we all went our separate ways and began having our own families and moved away. Then Facebook came along and I began communication with Debbie and found out that Phil and LaLa live near my Mother and I in Twain Harte. My Mother was excited to have someone she new nearby. We feel so blessed to have had time to spend with LaLa and Phil again. LaLa was always so positive, worrying more about my Mother than herself. I always felt so good around LaLa, blessed. What a blessing it has been to have the chance to have her in our lives again. Our angel here in the Sierra Foothills, and now in heaven. Shelly Samaniego-Charlsen

We remember our tia Lala as being a beautiful person inside and out. She always had a smile on her face and a hug for everyone. We were blessed to have her in our lives and she will be greatly missed. Vicky and Ronnie

When I think of Lala. I have a smile on my face and feel bless and fortunate to have known her . In September 2004, I had the privilege of meeting Lala & Phil in Carmel with my parents Agustin (tino) & Henrietta . We all had a great time we laughed all evening long. Lala had such a great sense of humor she warmed my heart. I felt her tenderness and sincerity immediately. On this particular trip my parents stayed with Lala and Phil at their home. unfortunately my mother got ill and Lala took good care of my parents and I will forever be grateful to Lala & Phil for caring for my mom & dad. The Perez families and I all Thank you and Lala for your wonderful hospitality and for being the caring people that you are. In March 2014 , Billy and I had the privilege to meet Debbie and her husband Javier in Monterey at their wonderful home. It was a beautiful day to see Lala and Phil again. Sitting with Lala in her living room was so comforting to me her voice and her hugs was needed in my life at that time . We talked about my parents and the love that Phil and Lala shared over the years with them. That day was a special day for us, a day that I will not forget. I'm happy to say, a couple weeks ago, when I called and spoke to Phil and Lala. I had a chance to tell Lala again that I loved her and she was like a second mother to me. I will miss her and think of her as one of the sweetest ladies I've known. Lala was loved and cherished by her beautiful family. Our condolences to Phil and her family. May the perpetual light shine upon Lala and may she rest in peace. Love Always,Olivia (Levy) & Billy Pate 

 My family met the Sandoval children while going to school with them. My brother was very close to David, he spent alot of time at our house, and I was between Debbie, Michael and John. I connected more with all the boys because we were soccer players. I met Mrs Sandoval and she was so welcoming. She truely mad a house a home. She always had a smile on her beautiful face. Although i have not seen her in many years I will miss her. Mr. Sandoval, David, Mary, Debbie and John, My heart goes out to you all. The Ramirez Family grieves with you. Dianna Ramirez-Evans

 

I My mom had passed this page on to me as I've been searching for my "Uncle Phil and Aunt Lala" for a few years now. While we had always remained in touch when my dad Paul was alive, everyone went their own ways in the years to follow. Lala was the most amazing spirit I've ever met in my life. She loved whole heartedly, and was so incredibly passionate about everything! I remember spending summers in Donna with my family and seeing Phil and Lala was the highlight of my trip. Lala would sneak me candies and plates of jicama covered in lemon and salt. And when we would travel to Twain Harte to stay the weekend she'd always make this amazing broccoli casserole and laugh at me as my friend Heather, (who she'd nickname Feather) would play "downhill tennis" and would end up chasing every ball hit down the street. She was amazing and beautiful and will be sorely missed. I'll cherish every moment I was blessed to have with her. Victoria Tristan-De La Rocha

We are so sorry for your loss. You and all your family are in our prayers. Julia Zavala and Family

Phil & family...so sorry to hear of Lala's passing. Know she's gone to a good place. Though we know the last years have not been easy ones for her, we marveled at her good cheer and humor. We miss you both. Let us know if we can be of any help to you here. Again, our sympathy for your loss. Your friends...Arlene & Bill.

I was Lala's Home Nurse on and off for a few years. Lala was one of the most influential and amazing ladies I have had the Honor of knowing. Each one of my visits was more then a Nursing visit. She taught me by being such a strong and noncomplaining person. I will always remember the Love that she and Phil had for each other- so Heartfelt and Beautiful. I brought my Therapy Dog Cowboy to see her a few times. When he passed away she and Phil came to his Headstone Dedication at out Hospice garden. I know how difficult it was for her to do this. It meant so much to me seeing her there and receiving her Loving hugs. I will so miss her but know she is an Angel in Heaven and I can think about her and she will be there. Blessings to all your family, Dorothy, LaLa's nurse.

To the entire Sandoval family our profound sympathy in the recent loss of your wife and mother... She was a wonderful friend but we always have felt like we were family too. She was a loving person and yes always easy in laughter. I remember one time when your Mom and Dad were here for a visit in San Diego we were going out to dinner in our car. Well it had been years since their last visit, my hair had grown down past my shoulders and i wore it in a pony tail. Lala was not convinced that it was my real hair and so as she was sitting directly behind me in the backseat she decided to give my pony tail a real tug! Well she quickly realized it was not fake.. She laughed that she had made me squeal in pain... That was your Mom naturally easy in character and so very loving with us always. Both Henry and I share your great grief in the passing of your wonderful Wife and Mom. We are deeply saddened that we did not have the chance to see her again while was ill. We pray that God gives you all strength and fortitude during this most difficult time for all of you. The love that Lala gave to her family will remain as she will live on in all your hearts. Rest in peace our dearest friend.... Irma and Henry.

I am so sorry to learn of your loss.  I did not have the pleasure of meeting your mother, but did have the pleasure to work with your father and learned to respect and admire him.  Please let Phil know how sorry I am to hear of Lala's passing.  Words are never adequate at this time -- hopefully with the passing of time the pain of the loss will lessen and memories of all the good times will ease your sorrow.  With sympathy,  Elaine Shoji. 

Henry & I first met Phil and Lala at a party at the Fimbrez house. Henry fell in love with Twain Harte so this is where we decided to retire. Art & Sylvia came to visit one weekend. They said they had some compadres that lived in Sonora. We went to visit them and our friendship began. Before we retired Henry and I would come and spend weekends in Twain Harte we always called Phil and Lala. to visit. Lala would always cook a great meal to welcome us and we would spend our time visiting and playing Murder. Before we moved into our house in Sugar Pine we did a lot of camping at our property in Twain Hart. Our friends and family would come from Madera and Fresno . Phil and Lala would always join us on Saturday evening for a big bar B Q, story telling , singing , laughing and just having fun. Soon all our family loved Phil and Lala. My Sandoval cousins said they had to be family they fit in so well with us. Lala, you will be missed and will always be in our prayers. Till we meet again. Your friends Pauline & Henry.

 

Phil & Lala are family that Art & I grew up with their children and ours. We had many family functions together and just get togethers , dancing, talking, laughing and just having so much fun . We will miss all the good times we have shared . But will remember them. Lala was always been good to our girls and made them feel at home . Our kids have a close bond with each other and we have a bond with them. Phil has been like brother to Art . Lala thank you for being the person you were. Lala we will miss you when we get together ,but when we do get together with any of the family you will be there in our hearts. You will be missed love you .enjoy all of our loved ones in heaven. Art &Phyllis

 

 

Lala and Phil and my husband Art and I were neighbors for years on Red River Dr. in Sonora. We had good times and many laughs together, going hiking or visiting and playing Chinese Checkers. Dear Lala, rest in peace.Betty Sheffield

I will always treasure the regular talks that we shared on the phone. I am also thankful that me and my family were able to go visit you in California several times. I am so grateful that God sent me such a beautiful sister. I will miss you dearly. Love Connie your sister. 

 

 

It's been a few weeks since we lost mom and time really is the great equalizer. I don't cry all the time now, but every day is still hard. I really miss her. When mom & dad moved in with Javi and I, I didn't realize what an impact it would have on MY life. Yes I knew it would be different, I just didn't realize HOW it would be different. I saw mom every day. I talked to her every day. Every day I was told stories about her life as a young person. When mom cooked, she cooked things dad liked to eat. He was never an adventurous eater. He liked what he liked, and that's what mom cooked. But I had the opportunity to introduce her to other things. Things like Tofu, which she always called Kung Fu. Vegetables that she had never tried like leeks and beets. Cauliflower "mashed potatoes" and zucchini and spinach in spaghetti sauce. I made chicken soup with every vegetable I had in my fridge. Mom would eat meat, but it was rare. She really preferred veggie’s. When we were young, Mom, Mary and I would sit around the kitchen table and mom would direct us in the making of tamales. I was only ever allowed to spread masa on the corn husks. Dad only liked tamales a certain way and only mom knew how to make them. We had them every year at Christmas. This year mom & I were going to make the "dad" tamales. She would direct and I would do everything she told me to do. We didn’t get to do that. I think I may try...later. She told me plenty of times what her secrets were, so I will give it a try at some point. Dad will be the judge. Debbie

 

Tio and Tia came to Kansas many years ago when I was a small child. I remember them as very special people then but it all really started about 15 years ago when Tio and Tia came to Kansas and they stayed at our home in Shawnee. Our relationship escalated to the next level and our bond became stronger. The long conversations and laughs we had were memorable.

 

I quickly saw and admired the special relationship Tio and Tia had for each other. Their love and respect left a long lasting impression on me. After they returned to California I knew this was a relationship I wanted to keep close to me. I enjoyed calling and talking to Tia. She was always so happy with a positive attitude. There were times when she could not finish the conversations we started because she would start coughing but Tio was always close by to pick up where she left off. I will always remember how loving and compassionate Tia Lala was about Tio Phil, kids, family and friends. My heart hurts knowing I will not be able to hear her voice again but at the same time I can not question why God has taken her. I will always cherish what a very special lady Tia Lala was to me. I love the whole family through her.

Rose Day

We send our deepest condolences to you Phil and to your family. We are keeping you in our prayers. It is hard to put into words what we feel. Lala was a very special lady. Phil, I think it was about 13 years ago you brought Lala to Louisiana to meet us for the first time and the first place you and Lala wanted to visit was my parent’s grave. You and my dad were army buddies and this opened our hearts with a special bond between our families. I had lost my mom in 1995 and just lost my dad about 6 months before you and Lala came to visit. I was still grieving. Lala knew what to say to help ease the pain of my loss. I clung to each word she spoke, I loved her right away. She was very understanding. Lala shared with Ronnie and I beautiful stories and photos of your children and their families. She was filled with life, so sweet and happy, we felt like part of your family right away. You and Lala invited us to visit in CA and we did just that. You both were so good to us and Lala’s hospitality was warm and loving. She made us feel “right at home”. We loved Lala and Phil we love you and your family too. There are no words that can be said to ease the pain of your loss. We know how much she meant to your family. God is holding her now and I am sure my parents have already met her and they are showing her around in heaven. Ronnie and I will miss her, we will miss her sweet voice on the phone when we call. God Bless the Sandoval family..Irene and Ronnie Moore

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