Sandra Louise Estoque

Is it possible to paraphrase the word LOVE? Yes. Two words...Our Mom. Our Mother was born of love, here to teach love on this earth and give the most beautiful gift of...LOVE.

Our precious angel of a Mother, Sandra Louise Dong was born on April 18th 1945, in Phoenix, Arizona to Chester Raymond Dong & Jennie King Look. Sandra spent much of her early years in a popular restaurant named The China Tea Garden her parents so proudly owned. She stayed busy chasing her younger brother Calvin & prepping wontons with her older sister Anita. This is where she learned to be a wonderful caretaker and amazing home cook!

Sandra met her dashing, handsome airman Emilio Aaoy Estoque at a dance club in Sacramento California. This is where they danced, laughed and ultimately fell in love. They were married on June 26th, 1965. The young couple then moved to the USAF base in the Philippines, then to Florida and finally settled in Utah in 1970.

Sandra was the ultimate feminine. She was always so perfectly put together. Her nails she painted hot pink or red on her lovely hands, her jewelry neatly coordinated & placed to match her outfits---she was the quintessential Lady in Red. She always came out looking like a beautiful rose and could easily “Wow!” her husband who was always proud to stand next to her. In pictures, he was happy to let her shine and whenever one would take candid shots, she'd always say, "Wait! I need lipstick!" Sandra always photographed with a smile on her face, and believed it wasn't a photo unless you were showing all your teeth and a big cheesy smile.

Sandra’s heart always had room for everyone at any time & would sit and talk with you for hours if you wanted. She was always so inviting and interested in your world. You really felt her love emanating just being next to her. She was curious, childlike, humble and kind. Everyone she crossed paths with was always important and special to her.

Although Sandra wasn't athletic, she spent time cheering on her children at countless baseball and football games for Steve and Darren, dance and soccer for her girls Cheryl, Jennifer & Kim and was the biggest fan alongside her sweetheart, Emilio at the bowling alley. This tradition carried on with her beautiful grandchildren.

Sandra was very patient and talented in creating with her hands. She loved to entertain & cook. She was always ready for a party and could whip up a delicious meal at the drop of a hat. Her love for cooking and gatherings spilled out into the family and into her neighborhood --- even the mailman would receive some homemade Chinese food in the mailbox or be pulled into the house for bite of something yummy. Decorating for the holidays was her specialty. During Christmas every inch of her home was adorned with lights and handmade decorations. She was the lover of giving gifts and was always tickled pink to receive one as well.

Sandra made her home a beautiful place to live and loved sharing her hobbies. She also loved watching murder mysteries while working on her hobbies. She could sew, crochet, play the organ, paint with Tri-Chem, & bead. One could tell all the cozy blankets, baby clothes, potholders & scarves were all made with love. She sewed the costumes for her daughters for all of their dance recitals, made dresses for their proms and made sure that each child had a unique Halloween costume. She loved playing board games, word games and teaching crafts later with her grandchildren.

Sandra loved beautiful things and would give you a piece of jade jewelry when she knew that you needed an extra dose of love. Her sweetheart, Emilio planted rose bushes by the front door and under her windows because she loved the smell of them. Sandra had a sweet tooth and loved dessert. Best served, of course, with an ice-cold root beer.

Sandra had an entrepreneurial spirit for hosting & selling. She threw numerous Tupperware, Home Interiors, Tri-Chem, and Avon parties to help support the family. She retired with her husband after 25 years in Civilian Personnel at Hill Air Force Base.

All in all, Sandra’s most favorite pastime was traveling with her best friend and forever husband, Emilio. They loved exploring and every single minute they spent together was full of adventure and joy. She especially loved driving across the country at a moment's notice to visit family members to celebrate their birthdays and other occasions.

When the love of her life, Emilio passed away in 2019 of pancreatic cancer, she sat in disbelief and whispered, "stupid cancer." Up until that time, they were always hand in hand---she never left his side. Their undying love was priceless & beautiful to witness.

Sandra was a fighter. It is unknown as to the exact year when she was burdened with dementia and diabetes ---but it never broke her spirit. Even until the last days when she took her last breaths, she smiled, giggled, and miraculously sang Yankee Doodle Dandy.

After every visit, we will always remember our Mother standing and waving goodbye from her doorway until we were totally out of sight. We have always felt we were under her loving, watchful eye. And today; we are all so grateful to know that we are being guided by both her and our Father. Her life's story began with love and ended with love and that is exactly the way she wanted it.

We love you, Mom!

Sandra was always admired and loved by all. She is survived by her children: Cheryl, Steven (Tina), Jennifer, Kimberly (Darren) Scott, & Darren (Jen). Also survived by 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Sandra was preceded in death by her husband of 54 yrs Emilio Aaoy Estoque, her parents Chester & Jennie Dong, her sister Anita (Donal) Townley and her brother Calvin.

We would like to thank Sunridge and Abbington Senior Living in Layton for making the last years of her life comfortable and enjoyable. And an extra special thanks to her nurse Heather for her gigantic heart, tender care and expertise. Jason, Ali, Josh, Ali, Krezlun, Meggan, Debbie and all the many other CNA's, MA's, and directors for making sure our mother giggled and smiled her most famous smile each and every day.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday September 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah. Friends may visit family prior to services from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the mortuary.

Interment will be held at Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton.

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