In Loving Memory of Saundra Marie King
June 15, 1941 – August 1, 2025

Saundra Marie King, beloved wife, devoted mother and grandmother, cherished sister, and dear friend to many, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, in San Diego, California, at the age of 84.

Born on June 15, 1941, in Napa, California, Saundra was the daughter of Jose and Trina Suarez. A proud graduate of Napa High School, it was there she met the love of her life, John King. The two married on December 17, 1960, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned more than six decades.

Saundra's early years were devoted to raising their three children, all while completing her college degree and earning her teaching credential. Her passion for education led her to teach in Catholic schools and later in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Yokohama, Okinawa, and West Point, NY. During many summers, she also ran Interstudy's foreign exchange program—connecting cultures, organizing curriculum, and curating memorable field trips for students from around the world.

Following her retirement from teaching, Saundra remained an active and joyful presence in the lives of her grandchildren—cheering them on at sporting events, volunteering in their classrooms, and teaching CCD at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Poway. Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. She served as a eucharistic minister, lector, CCD teacher, youth ministry leader, and was a confirmation sponsor for several grandchildren as well as others in the church community.

Saundra was known for her warm, outgoing personality and her unmatched gift for staying connected. Whether with lifelong friends, former students, or fellow teachers from across the globe, she made everyone feel like family. She never forgot a birthday, never missed a milestone, and always encouraged others to reach out and stay close.

Saundra is survived by her loving husband, John; her children, Steve King (Jamie), Rick King (Terri), and Katherine Bradbury (Miah); her ten grandchildren, Mitchell King, Scott Salvatore (Ally), Kaitlin King, Valerie King, Ryan Salvatore, John King III, Grace King, Matthew Salvatore, Brian King, and Julia King; and her great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Julianna Salvatore. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Bertolucci. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Suarez and Trina Bertolucci; her stepfather, Dolindo Bertolucci; her aunt and uncle, Marie and Albert Ferrando; and her cousin, Walter Moeslein.

To Saundra, family was everything—and her legacy of love, faith, and connection will live on in all those who knew and loved her.

A memorial mass will be held on December 29, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Poway, California, where Saundra's faith and generosity touched countless lives. Following the service, family and friends will gather for a reception to share stories, laughter, and memories of the joy she brought to so many. Saundra will be laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Saundra's name to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation .