Sandra Perrene Tolka

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sandy Tolka, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend. Born on December 4, 1957, in Upland, California, Sandy touched the lives of many during her 67 years. She peacefully departed this world on April 10, 2025, in Norco, California, with the love of her life, Jerry Tolka, by her side.

Sandy moved from California to Patoka, Illinois, in 1973. Jerry and Sandy met and quickly became high school sweethearts. They were married on March 23, 1974, and recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. God blessed them with two beautiful daughters, Michelle and Kim, whom they adored. They moved to Delta, Colorado, in 1979, where they resided for 32 years. In 2011, they moved to Corona, California, to be closer to their grandchildren, Evan, Madisyn, and Avery. Sandy was a loving grandmother (Gramie), and her grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Sandy pursued a successful career in the medical field, where her dedication and compassion were evident to her patients and all those who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Sandy dedicated her life to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Junior High and has been a faithful servant ever since. She served for many years in various roles at Delta Christian Church, where she had attended for over 30 years. She led worship, directed the children’s and youth ministry programs, taught Sunday school, and participated in the prayer team. She found so much joy and purpose in being used by God to lead many to salvation, personally baptizing several of them. After moving from Colorado back to California in 2011, she served the homeless community with her daughter, Kim, and son-in-law, Blake, at Church at the Mission Corona. She cooked and served countless meals, counseled many women, and served as a Sunday school teacher. Her nurturing spirit and keen sense of empathy resonated deeply with those she cared for, and her impact on the lives of countless individuals will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Tolka, daughters Michelle (John) Stout and Kimberly (Blake) Ryan, her siblings Doug VanTassel and Sharon (Lane) Briscoe, and her three grandchildren, Evan, Madisyn, and Avery Ryan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eursel and Barbara VanTassel. Sandy was a source of joy and strength for her family; her memory will forever live on in their hearts.

A Celebration of Life service to honor Sandy will be held May 24th at 1 pm at Lakeshore City Church, 2175 Sampson Ave. Unit 103, Corona, CA 92879. The family invites all who knew and loved her to join in celebrating the wonderful woman she was.

As we navigate this difficult time, we remember Sandy for the warmth, kindness, and joy she brought into the world. Although she will be deeply missed, we are comforted by the knowledge that she, as a strong woman of faith, is home in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, trees or other gifts the family has chosen for donations to be made in Sandy’s honor to the Orange County Rescue Mission to help the homeless rebuild their lives. This was an organization near and dear to Sandy and something her family still supports.

Donations can be made online by using the link below, mailed or done over the phone to The Orange County Rescue Mission,   One Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782 - (714) 247-4300