Dear Rey and family,
Tony and I offer our sincerest sympathy and condolences . We are truly sorry for your loss. May Zelda rest in peace. We are praying for you and the family at this
difficult time. Take care and God bless.

Rey, Yasmin and Katyana,

Sharing with my heartfelt sympathy. I would like to honor Zelda as an intelligent, humble, family-loving woman, of few words, but remarkably dedicated to her profession as an outstanding librarian. The last time we communicated was on the family’ s trip to Cleveland to visit the grandkids. This was a surprise call from Zelda, in later part of 2022. She told me “Ang sarap palang mag alaga ng apo”. We spoke on the phone, hoping we could meet up but I was 3 hours or so away, in Cincinnati and taking care of my own grandkids. I felt special because Zelda shared what was in store for her and Rey during their visit. It was a lot of activities. When our call was interrupted by a child’s or girl’s voice saying grandma we’re leaving for Costco, I knew her errands were important. I know she was happy. We later agreed to text each other while on the same eastern time zone. We relived her job, how busy she is as Rey’s assistant with her excellent technical computer editing skills, Rey’s work as a consultant, and her ability to travel after retirement. I thought of her the other day looking at the Tau Alpha wives attending the Philippine reunion. Alas her name was not on it and I wondered why. Alas, she’s not physically here. But she’s with God and in our hearts and soul. We love you Zelda. Sorry I didn’t have more time to bond with you. But in our few times of one- on - one conversation, in Sacramento, in San Diego, over text, on the phone, I carry in my memory a beautiful genuine person, who’s life’s success is raising with Rey a beautiful family. Rey if you have a chance please include my letter in your zoom. I cannot read it, I can’t express how I feel without feeling down, but I know Zelda must know, because she reads a lot!

Arliz Ramos

Zelda was a gentle soul & a lady with intense & genuine intelligence. Her love for her Rey & their daughters were deep & true. She will be missed.

Zelda would bribe me with lumpia for special favors. They were delicious. I’m sorry to see she’s passed.

I was very sad  when I heard the news of Zelda's passing.

My heart break for you Mrs.Zelda . 

You came to my house and asking to  help  sewing a mattress cover for your husband ,you said:" this is my husband 's favorite mattress ,please make a new cover  for him". We just had a conversation on the phone few months ago, but I feel regret , I missed a chance to see you , I don't realize ,that was  the last time and never being able to hear your voice  or asking for your advice  ever again.

This exercise is painful because it draws up a feelings, that your family, your relative , friends, and co-workers  is currently experiencing . 

We know each other for over 24 years ,i had many memories about you . you  will be very miss.

 I will pray for you and your families to  find comfort .

Rest in peace Mrs.Sacro-Sandos .

Love and miss you very much.

Your co-worker,

Mary Pham.

I'm in tears after finding out just now. Our connections go way back when our daughters went to Canyon View ES, working with you at the RB and SR libraries, a part time job that allowed me to be home when our daughter came home from middle school and working with Rey at MWWD - PUD's Engineering & Project Management, until I moved to my 4th City department. I continued to play tennis with Rey through the years and we all managed to stay in touch through our deep connection with our Filipino pride & culture. At every opportunity, we always updated each other about our families, our elder parents, and our daughters' pursuit of higher education, their big & small achievements and of them becoming adults,  and ultimately having their own families. You always had high expectations, hopes & dreams for Yasmin & Katyana and was always so proud of them; Like a stereotypical Asian Mom,  we openly expressed to our friends how proud we are of our children and not always directly share it with them :-) How I wish I had the time to tell you that you always had the coolest name!  I have no doubt that you'll be watching your beautiful growing family from above.  I share with your family's deep sadness. While there are simply no words that would truly ease this profound loss, Russ, Adrienne & I are sending our hugs, love and  prayers to your beloved Rey and the family for inner strength & peace during this most difficult time. The happy memories truly live on in our hearts.

I like to give my deepest condolences to Tito Rey and Family.  I’m deeply sorry for your loss.   May she rest in peace. Amen.

I am at a loss of words to know that you are gone. I met you and Rey at our HS reunions. I remember you with your big smile and always helpful in little ways. Oh yes, you & Rey hosted our dinner at our reunion years ago and the food was delicious! I will keep you in my prayers. May the choirs of angels welcome you in heaven. My sincere condolence to Rey, Yasmin & Katyana their families. Hugs and love to you all!

I will always cherish your kindness to me and all who you meet. You are truly missed and I am honored to have known such a genuine loving soul 

I still can't believe you're gone...I'll always remember our laughters while I'm doing your facials which you always say it's  the best... I'll surely miss you you my friend... Rest in peace...

We met only once, on a surprisingly brisk August morning in Cleveland. My parents were helping me move from New York back home to Chicago. You, Katyana, Andrew, and the kids made time for us, and we talked about how special it is to find Filipino community so far from home. 

I talked about my desire to research and write about our diaspora and our experiences with belonging and intergenerational memory. Often when I mention my pursuit of academia and art with family and community members, I’m met with judgment and/or disinterest. But you embraced me and asked questions about my masters program. Through this earnest gesture, you made me feel seen. 

I didn’t have the chance to get to know you one-on-one, but I am blessed to know you by your daughter and apo. I see you in their love of reading and learning, in the little drawings that Roz gifts me each time we meet, in her unapologetic directness, in Gus’s shy but eager curiosity, in all the meals we have shared together.

Afterwards, on our drive back to Chicago, I reflected on our conversation while watching the landscape change from farmland to city, the sky darken into evening. I remember thinking how Cleveland is worlds away from the islands, even from California. Perhaps it’s less that we find community, and more that we collectively make it, day by day, through small gestures that, over time, amount to belonging and an undeniable sense of home. 

Tita Zelda—you and your family are part of my home-making journey, and I thank you for your lesson, love, and legacy. I wish tenderness for your loved ones as they grieve and make new ways of being with you after death. 

Your absence leaves us with a heavy heart.  You had a special way of showing everyone your love. We will forever be grateful for the memories, the laughter, and the appreciation you gave.  Rest in Peace Tita Zelda. You will deeply be missed, but never forgotten.  I am with you in prayers Tito Rey, Yasmin, and Katyana. 

I was deeply saddened to hear of Zelda’s passing. I have no words. She will always have a place in my heart and memories. Always in my prayers too.