Emilia Lomboy Sanderson, aged 79, a 36-year resident of Lake Forest, CA, passed peacefully on Wednesday, April 18th at Saddleback Memorial Care of complications from acute myeloid leukemia.

Born in Paniqui Tarlac in Republic of the Philippines on October 15, 1938, Emilia was a natural athlete named Athlete of the Year in 1953. Married at the age of 16, she had three children: Dante, Florida, and Rodolfo. Widowed by the age of 21, she soon after met the love of her life, an Air Force Serviceman Arnel Sanderson at Clark Air Force Base. They shared fifty-three years together with countless memories across the globe. She was a proud American, living across the country and abroad during Arnel’s years of service. She was a humble homemaker known for her healthy lifestyle from aerobics to running and every type of fitness in between, a bold and bright fashion sense, an affinity for creating beautiful ceramic figurines, and impressive feats of gardening. She is best remembered for the legacy she left behind due to her unparalleled generosity and loving kindness that lit up every room she entered.  She led by example, teaching that family comes first, and thanks to this life philosophy, she gives those she has left behind solace in the multitude of brilliant memories she shared with her loved ones.

Survived by her doting husband, Arnel Sanderson; her beloved children: Dante Sanderson, Florida Sanderson, Rodolfo Sanderson and daughter-in-law Joan Sanderson, and Mark Sanderson; nine adoring grandchildren and four precious great-grandchildren.

Her friends and family are welcomed to gather for a service to celebrate her life on Saturday, April 28th at 2pm followed by a reception. An intimate viewing will be held the prior night on Friday, April 27th from 7pm to 9pm. These tributes to her life will be held at O’Connor Mortuary at 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

Flowers are welcome. Tropical arrangements were always her favorite. Or, we encourage you to make a donation to honor Emilia’s memory to the Leukemia Research Foundation ( https://www.allbloodcancers.org/ ).

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going : John 14: 1-4