Saundra, Norton
January 18, 1961- October 27, 2014
"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure"
Our dearest darling, Saundra, passed away October 27, 2014 after an accident in her home. Saundra was born in Hawthorne, California and grew-up in Huntington Beach. Always a source of great pride to her parents, Saundra was a perfect role model for her sisters. She attended Huntington Beach High School where she worked hard to maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA; as a top student she was asked to join the schools Model UN an honor she prized. In 1982 she began working at her father's business, Atlas Testing Laboratories. Saundra will be remembered for all of her beautiful qualities, among which her tenacity and strong work ethic which prevailed throughout her life. Her devotion, countless hours and hard work paid off when she was promoted to President of the company in 2012; an achievement she was intensely proud of.
Everyone who knew Saundra will always remember her terrific sense of humor, our memories of her will be both sad and happy at times as we recall her clever wit … Saundra was lively, fun-loving and fiercely devoted to her family. She is survived by her beloved son, Nicholas Arzate and his wife Jeanne and granddaughter Delilah Suzanne; her father, Leo Norton of Rancho Mirage; her mother, Carolyn Norton of Anaheim Hills; her sisters, Sharon Norton and Suzanne Espeseth; brother-in-law, Jerry; and nieces, Maddisen and Prezly. She leaves behind many loving friends and coworkers at Atlas Testing who will miss her generous heart and kind spirit. Saundra was preceded in death by her longtime partner, Len Radys. His sudden death was a cruel blow from which she never fully recovered. They are together now and forever.
"Heaven doesn't ignore the cries of a broken heart."
A Private Interment Ceremony will take place November 19, 2014 in Rancho Mirage.
A celebration of her life will be held December 14, 2014; Please call (909) 373-4130 for details.
Saundra was a lifelong animal lover, and in lieu of flowers donations can be made to PETA. www.peta.org
