Anna Bondoc

Anna Marie Jose Bondoc (February 4, 1969 - September 12, 2023) left the world far better and more beautiful than she found it.

Born in the Philippines, Anna was raised in Cincinnati. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan as a student in its honors English program, where she was named to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Later, she moved to New York City, and for the past quarter-century, she lived in Los Angeles, where she did postgraduate work at ArtCenter College of Design and Otis College of Arts and Design.

She was a published writer, and edited Letters of Intent, a compilation of essays still used in women's studies courses 20 years after its publication. An accomplished artist who worked in multiple media, Anna’s work brought her unique perspective on nature and human connection to multiple galleries and a hundred homes. She helped to develop curriculum for Larchmont Charter School and was a beloved English and social studies teacher who made students at the Westridge School and the Archer School for Girls feel seen, heard, and loved.

Anna was also a fundraiser for causes as diverse as refugee resettlement, social justice, and animal rights. As a chef, she helped open a restaurant in New York, catered events on both coasts, and never failed to amaze guests lucky enough to dine at her table. An indefatigable traveler, she saw the sun rise and set on four continents and a score of countries. Anna could always be counted on for a recommendation for the best book, museum, movie, restaurant, coffee shop, or after-dinner stroll.

Anna was brilliant in all these endeavors. Most importantly, however, Anna personified kindness, grace, and compassion. Her accomplishments, occupations, and passions were illuminated by the enduring belief in the beauty of human interaction. Her empathy begat patience, which begat introspection, which allowed her to connect with other individuals on a very vital and heartening plane. All individuals were treated with equal altruism. And her truly unmatched brilliance shone as a mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend.

Recently, Anna faced the cruel challenges of mental illness. Through major life transitions, she remained, at her core, the beautiful soul that her loving and loyal friends knew. She will be missed for her talents, sublime beauty, and her desire to care for others, sometimes even more than for herself.

Anna is survived by her daughter, Claire Sand; her husband, Matthew Sand; her mother, Angelita Bondoc; her sister, Marielle (Michael) Cadwalader; her brother, Alexander (Kate) Bondoc; and six cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Antonio S. Bondoc.

A loving celebration of life for Anna will be held Thursday, September 28, at 9:00 a.m., at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills’ Old North Church, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Anna, the family suggests the following organizations: Stars of Hope (https://starsofhopeusa.org/) and the Pasadena Humane Society (https://pasadenahumane.org/).