1999, San Francisco, CA, USA
Miss Saigon The Musical. We loved to eat, laugh and watch musicals.
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1992, I’m thinking a Lowell Dance
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Glenn and family, please accept our sincere condolences for the passing of Vanessa. She was such a bright figure when I knew her at UC Berkeley. My wife, Julie, and I have a previous engagement on that Saturday, but I will watch the replay of the memorial when posted. Thinking of you both and the laughter we shared. Respectfully, Roland Addad,
roladdad@gmail.com
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I remember the first time I ever saw Vanessa. At UCSB, in the first week of our freshman year (1995) we met in the Santa Rosa residence hall because we were both interested in school leadership. I believe this is when Glenn met Van as well. I remember seeing a beautiful girl going to everyone in the room, introducing herself, and shaking their hand. We both ran for president of Santa Rosa and were co-presidents together. Glenn and Van were Tammie and my best friends. All that year we hung out together and played cards or went rollerblading to the wee hours of the morning. Glenn and I taught Vanessa how to ride a bike because growing up in the hills of San Fransisco wasn't conducive for children learning to ride a bike. One of my strongest memories of Van in that first year of college was her mutual infatuation and then falling in love with Glenn. I remember the look in Glenn's eyes as he would look at Vanessa because it's the same way I felt and still feel about my girlfriend at the time who is now my wife.
Our sophomore year Vanessa became the first woman of color to hold the office of RHA president. Vanessa and Glenn were inseparable that whole year. At the end of the year, their relationship had a good test when Glenn went to college in Colorado. Our junior and senior year, Vanessa lived with Tammie and I, and she couldn't have been a better roommate. We hung out a lot, cooked meals together, and Vanessa and Tammie took a trip to Hawaii. During that time Glenn proposed and after graduation, they got married. The ceremony was beautiful, but nowhere near as beautiful as Vanessa was on that day. And I am certain that Glenn would agree because I know he considered himself the luckiest guy in the world when she said, "I do".
There are some things I know to be true in this world. I know that the sun will rise in the east, that my children can always depend on me, that my wife and I were meant to be together, and that Glenn and Van would be together forever.
My heart breaks for Glenn because I know a piece of him died when Van took her last breath. I know everyone will remember Van for different things and different memories they have of her, but for me it's simple. I remember the look she had when looking at Glenn, and how happy she was when he looked back the same way.
I love you guys,
Damien
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I attended High School with Vanessa, and although it's been nearly three decades since we last spoke, her infectious smile and joyful nature remain etched in my memory. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family during this difficult time.
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Stacey Xenakis
2010, Elite Taekwondo Academy, Wright Brothers Avenue, Livermore, CA, USA
I remember first meeting Vanessa at Elite Taekwondo Studio when my son first started classes, then age six. Both her and Glenn were so welcoming and encouraging to all the students new and recurring. It’s been 13 years since that day and I recall Vanessa leaning over to me after my son received his first belt tip and she said “he’s going to get that black belt someday.” She could just tell. Two years later my daughter signed up and still attends the studio today. Both my kids grew up with Vanessa, Glenn, Alex and Ally cheering them on. Even a few months back Vanessa reached out to me to check in and see how everyone was doing. Our kids are grown now so our face to face moments were few. She was the mom of the studio and she will be missed, but she will always be with us in our hearts.
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My heartfelt condolences to the DeGuzman family for their loss. Vanessa was a unique soul and after reading her background it all comes together how she was the sun that everyone revolved around.
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I am so very sorry for your loss. Vanessa was a shining light. Hugs and love to all of her family and friends 💗
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