Cynthia Marie (Sandate) Holcom

Cynthia (Cindy) Marie (Sandate) Holcom, age 48, died peacefully on Aug. 13, 2014, in Glendale, Arizona, after an eight year struggle with cancer. Cindy was born in Salina, the daughter of Celio F. and Betty J. (Rogers) Sandate.

Cindy's early years were lived in Kansas City, where she attended Blessed Sacrament School and formed a close relationship with many cousins. She lived her middle school years in Cali, Colombia, with family and father (a Foreign Service Officer), and became fluent in the Spanish language while exploring a new culture. Summers during this time, and later in high school, were lived in Salina, at the home of her grandparents Melba and Tommy Rogers. Countless hours were passed with friends at the public swimming pool.

Cindy's freshman school year was at Salina Central High School, where she met her future husband Melvin. Cindy's remaining high school years were at the American School in Paris, France, where she graduated in 1984. In high school Cindy learned to speak French, was a cheerleader, and enjoyed many trips across Europe. She enjoyed great times with ASP friends and best friend Michelle "Boots" Smit. After graduation Cindy returned to Salina to live with her grandparents and begin her advanced education at Marymount College. Cindy later married Melvin, the love of her life, and began their lives together.

Family and friends were Cindy's passion and delight. She lived life to its very fullest, spreading joy, love, happiness and her infectious smile with whomever she came into contact. Beautiful inside and out, Cindy was very photogenic, her charisma and room presence was such a delight. Family and gatherings were always a priority; reunions in Newton were 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 each one feel uniquely special.

During her working years Cindy was employed in banking, retail and food service, making friends and nurturing lifelong relationships every step along the way. She was a loyal wife and proud mother, chauffeur, surrogate mother, grandmother and true friend. Energetic and gracious, Cindy made sure the Holcom home was a favorite gathering place for her children and their friends. Eternally young at heart, Cindy loved road trips, '80s 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."

Cindy is survived by her husband, Melvin Holcom; son, Matthew (Amanda) of Anna, Texas; daughter, Morgan of the home in Anthem, Arizona; grandchildren, Matthew Jr., and Alexis; parents, Celio and Betty Sandate of Newton; sister, Christine Donivan (Steve) of Derby; in-laws, Melvin Sr. and Katie Holcom of Salina; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.
Memorial services were held on Tuesday (Aug. 19, 2014) in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be said at 9 a.m. Friday (Aug. 22, 2014) followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., both at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton. Interment will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Newton. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Newton Thursday between 5 and 7 p.m. A memorial fund has been established in her name with in Phoenix, Arizona. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.