Cynthia (Cindy) Marie Holcom (Sandate), age 48, died peacefully on August 13, 2014 at Thunderbird PCU Hospice in Glendale, AZ, after a seven year struggle with cancer. Cindy was born in Salina Kansas, the daughter of Celio F. Sandate and Betty J. Rogers.
Cindy is survived by her husband Melvin Holcom, son Matthew and daughter Morgan; grandchildren Matthew Jr. and Alexis; parents and sister Christine; nephews Christopher and Patrick; and other close relatives and countless friends.
Cindy's early years were spent in Kansas City, Kansas with family and many close knit cousins. For middle school it was off to Cali Columbia with family and father (a Foreign Service officer) where Cindy learned fluent Spanish. Summers during this time and later in high school were spent back in Salina Kansas, home base, with Grandparents Melba Jo and Tommy Rogers where countless hours were spent with friends at the public swimming pool. Freshman year was at Salina Central High School where she met her future husband Melvin. Cindy spent her remaining high school years in Paris France where she graduated from the American School of Paris. Cindy was on the cheerleader squad, enjoyed many trips across Europe and great times with ASP friends and best friend Michelle "boots" Smit. She and Melvin dated and saw each other during the summers. Cindy graduated early from high school in 1984, returned to Salina to live with her grandparents and to study at Marymount College. Cindy and Melvin married September 22, 1984, in Salina Kansas and began their lives together.
Family and friends were Cindy's passion and delight. She lived life to its very fullest spreading joy, happiness, love and her infectious smile with whomever she came into contact. Beautiful inside and out Cindy never took a bad picture. Family and gatherings were always a priority; reunions in Newton Kansas 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 everyone feel uniquely special.
Cindy worked in banking, retail and food service in an elementary school cafeteria. Making friends and nurturing lifelong relationships every step along the way. She was a loyal wife and committed mother. Chauffeur, surrogate mother, and friend, Cindy made sure the Holcom house was a favorite hangout for her children and their friends. Eternally young at heart, Cindy loved road trips, 80's 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." In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Az.
There will be a memorial service for family and friends at the Hansen Desert Hills Chapel in Scottsdale, Az., on Tuesday, August 19,, 2014. Visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 am and the services at 11:00 am. Cindy's remains will be transported to Kansas. Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Newton, Ks.
Tributes
Eric C Wilhelm wrote on Aug 22, 2014:
"What a difference one person can make in so many peoples lives..... and she didn\'t just touch you, she touched your soul..... She touched mine and I am so grateful to have known her.... I am not sure that I will ever meet anyone so special .... All of her ASP family feels the same way and when ever we meet, Cindy will be there with us... we will never forget her and her spirit will live on through us... To Cindy\'s family, she will now be with you, watching you, guiding you every step of your lives... when you are in need, look up and look inward and she will be you, holding you when you need to be held and letting you fly free as she wants you to live life to it\'s fullest!!! Just as she did.... Live wild and free and make her proud Until we all meet again... God Bless you Cindy... Heaven has the most beautiful Angle ever....."
Lori Czereda wrote on Aug 19, 2014:
"Cindy you are a beautiful person inside and out. I was blessed to have known you. Your spirit will live on in those who know you and love you! Melvin, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all!"
Theresa Perea Valcoure wrote on Aug 19, 2014:
"Cindy, you will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know you! The Valcoure family is sending prayers to you and your family. Hugs Beautiful and know you are loved by all."
Kathy Rapp wrote on Aug 19, 2014:
"Dearest Cindy, I met you in Texas when we both had kids in elementary school. You became my friend and we had many wonderful years to get to know each other when you lived here. You are an amazing person that I was lucky enough to call a friend and treasured every moment that I was fortunate enough to spend with you when you came back for a visit. I am so sorry that you had to be taken from your family and this earth so early but am happy that you were able to see milestones like Matt\'s wedding, the birth of the grandkids and Morgan\'s prom and graduation. You are an awesome mother and will be remembered for the kindness and patience you showed to so many. You will always be in my heart. I love you my friend, your spirit will shine in the lives you touched forever. You are always in my heart, Kathy"
LaRana Skalicky wrote on Aug 19, 2014:
"Cindy you will be missed and remembered by many for your kindness and loving nature. What a great gift and legacy to deposit into the the world during your time here. All of my deepest condolences to Melvin and family. Prayers are with you."
Ron Holcom wrote on Aug 18, 2014:
"Cindy you will be missed by many!! Prayers going out to family. Bub Matt and Morgan all the Grand kids Nieces and Nephews losing Cindy is a tragedy and will be something all of us will most likely never forget.This is one for the books because she does deserve to be up on a Pedestal and lets make sure she stays there. Love you Cindy"
Paula Fowles wrote on Aug 18, 2014:
"a:4:{s:4:"file";s:81:"/home/content/77/10370777/html/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_26874480831542.jpeg";s:3:"url";s:76:"http://hansenmortuary.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_26874480831542.jpeg";s:5:"error";b:0;s:4:"desc";s:17:"A beautiful soul!";}"
Michelle (Boots!) wrote on Aug 15, 2014:
"Meilleurs Amies! Best friends in the most beautiful city in the world, Paris. What a gift we shared! Our friendship was full of love and laughter. Cindy and I LOVED and cherished our time in Paris together! So many memories of the American School of Paris, hanging out with friend, traveling, exploring all the city had to offer. Wild times! Cindy had a heart of gold, full of love and sweetness! Her family was like my second family in Paris. Christine, Bess, Celio... you are all so awesome! I thank you for \"adopting\" me! I am so sorry Cindy\'s life ended too soon, but I know she will live on in everyone she shared her love with. She will be with me always! I\'m so grateful I was able to spend some time with her last year and so happy I spend a little time with Morgan, Mel and Cameron. I only regret that I didn\'t get the chance to meet Matt and his family. I\'m sure he is as wonderful as his sister! I send you all lots of love! Cindy\'s eternal best friend, Michelle (Boots!)"