Sandra “Sandy” Mendiola Sierra was born on March 4, 1953 in Rio Hondo, Texas. It was a proud day for her Mother, Guadalupe Bocanegra Mendiola and Father, Guillermo Mendiola when Sandy entered the world. Sandy grew to be a woman who loved to learn and pursued higher education. After graduating from Delano High School, Sandy pursued her education at Bakersfield College, and then California State University Bakersfield. On July 28, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sandy married Joel Rubio Sierra. The two shared many adventures together, and a life filled with joy and laughter.Sandy was deeply committed to the work she did at California State University Bakersfield where she was an evaluator for 23 years. She also served as an academic counselor with Bakersfield College for 24 years. Loyalty was at the heart of everything Sandy did. She was a first generation college graduate, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, and Master’s degree in Educational Counseling. During her years working at Bakersfield College, Sandy was the Department Chair and Department Dean of the counseling department. She was passionate about this work, and supported and mentored several other counselors working to help students navigate their road to graduation. Sandy shared her passion for higher education with those she counseled and worked with. That passion was a motivating force for others and encouraged them to push toward their goals of success. Sandy loved to see others pursue their passion and succeed in reaching the goals they set. Sandy lived life to the fullest and enjoyed baking, traveling, shopping, camping/“glamping,” and spending time with loved ones. And you might occasionally find her having a margarita on the rocks at Mexicali West. Though she loved being a mother, her favorite role was being a grandmother. She treasured her time with her grandchildren, Jinat and Ella. She absolutely adored being “Nana” to her beloved Jinat, and “GiGi” to her precious Ella. She never failed to express her love through hugs, “bragging” about them to others, or showering them with gifts. Sandy’s friends also held a special place in her heart, as they were practically inseparable throughout their lives. They engaged in many activities together from playing softball, bowling, and golfing. As well as many Happy Hours, getting married, having children, and starting their careers–they were together through it all. Sandy loved fiercely, in all of her relationships. She was a faithful friend, committed and trustworthy.Sandy entered Heaven’s gates on December 5, 2025, at 6:19pm surrounded by her loved ones. She will be greatly and dearly missed by many, but there is peace knowing that she rests in the arms of her Savior, Jesus. Our hearts find solace in knowing that her body is now healed and restored in Heaven, where we will see her again. Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, Guadalupe Bocanegra Balderas and Guillermo Mendiola. Her surviving relatives are her husband Joel Rubio Sierra, daughter Casey Perez, granddaughter Jinat Perez, great-granddaughter Ella Grijalva. Siblings, Willie (Rosie) Mendiola, Rick (Stella) Mendiola, John (Maria) Mendiola, Lilia (Kenny) Flores, Horacio (Lealia) Mendiola, Maria Luisa (Jesi) Mendiola, Matilda (Raymon) Lopez, and many nieces, nephews, and several godchildren. We’ll never forget hearing Sandy say, “Hey girlfriend,” or seeing her tuck her hand under her chin for pictures. Sandy will always be remembered for her bright smile, sense of humor and spunky personality, but mostly for her drive, determination and work ethic. We couldn’t have asked for a better wife, mother, grandmother, sister, tia, comadre, nina, and friend, and we will miss Sandy every day. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. Services for Sandy are as follows: December 18, 2025 at St. Francis Church. Located at 900 H St, Bakersfield, CA 93304. Rosary starts at 10am followed by Mass at 10:30am Celebration of Life from 12pm-3pm at Elks Lodge Located at 1616 30th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301. For those who would like to send flowers, please send orders to Living Waters Funeral Home located at 620 Oregon St, Bakersfield, CA 93305, by 3pm on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. For those who would like to help with providing anything for the Celebration of Life, please bring waters, sodas, or deserts to the Elks on the day/time of the Celebration of Life.