Sondra Lynn Payne Elizondo, age 45, passed away in San Jose, Costa Rica on December 10, 2015. She was born on December 11, 1969, in Minneapolis, MN, and graduated from Stewartville High School in 1988. She attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul, MN and graduated with a BA in Social Work. She won the St. Thomas Humanitarian Award in 2014. Following graduation, she entered the Peace Corps and was stationed in Costa Rica. She later met her husband, Ricardo Elizondo and they married in 1996. Sondra co-founded VIDA. They moved to Merritt Island, FL in December 2013.
Sondra is survived by her husband, Ricardo, one son Mason and one daughter Emily both of Merritt Island. Her parents, George and Kathy Erickson Payne and a brother, Gregg Payne (Jody Zieske), Detroit Lakes, MN, maternal grandmother, Doris Wallin Erickson, Eau Claire, WI. She is also survived by a niece and 3 nephews, many cousins, many aunts and uncles and tons of friends.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Wylie Baxley Funeral Home at 1360 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953.
Memorials are appreciated to a college fund for the children set up by their mother when they were infants.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 15, 2016
LeAnn Cheri
Sondra was a sweet, giving and a selfless person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family now and always. May her memory live in your hearts forever.
January 6, 2016
Stacy Lowe (Schiltz)
May peace and love surround you during this time. I present this candle to you so that you may feel its warmth, and you have light along your way.
December 30, 2015
gregg payne
My Dearest sister, you were a true blue person if there ever was one. you are true loss to the world and a huge loss to the family. your contributions to the world adn family will never be forgotten.
Gregg Payne
December 22, 2015
Jimmie Colon
December 21, 2015
Lori Tammi
To Sondra's family- I had the pleasure of working with Sondra at Health and Rehab of New Brighton. She was a co-worker of mine and someone who gave me guidance as a new social worker in the field. I am so sorry to those who loved her dearly. I will keep you all in my prayers as you grieve your tremendous loss of Sondra.
December 20, 2015
Laura Dyrstad
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Sondra's family and friends. She was a wonderful woman whose work affected the lives of so many in such a positive way. She will never be forgotten. RIP Sondra.
December 20, 2015
Missy & George Zula (Golberg)
George, Kathy, Richard, Mason, and Emily, we hold you close in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in my peace my dear friend! Love you Sondra
December 20, 2015
Maria, Frank, Melanie and Marisa Rivera-Sanchez
We are shocked and saddened by the passing of our dear friend and neighbor. She will always remain a big part of our life and will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Emily and Mason as well as her family we are here for you
December 20, 2015
Cheryl Mason
Dear Mason, Emily, Kathy, George and all family members: I never had the opportunity to meet Sondra but I am a social worker for families in crisis in Los Angeles, Ca. I am so saddened by her unfortunate passing that I feel inspired to post this message to you. I know in my heart how much she loved you and how hard she fought to live. I know she is with you now and is watching over you. I hope you know she is in heaven and will always be your guardian angel. May God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time: you will get through this and shine as bright as Shondra did and would want you to.
My prayers are for you.
December 20, 2015
Claudia Williams
Dear Kathy, George, and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. Sondra was a wonderful person. May loving memories give you peace and comfort.
December 19, 2015
Glenn Blumhorst
As president of the National Peace Corps Association and on behalf of the entire Peace Corps community, our most sincere condolences to the family of our colleague Sondra. Her life and work embodied the ideals of the Peace Corps and she will surely be long remembered for the many lives she positively impacted.
December 19, 2015
To Sondra's family...We are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers.
Wes and Vaunie Alrick
December 18, 2015
Dee and Susan Williams
Dear Kathy and George, Dee and I are so sorry for Sondra's passing. Please give our condolences to all of your family. So sorry we can't be with you at this time.
December 17, 2015
My husband and I served in the Peace Corps with Sondra. Sondra and I recently collaborated with Vida and my elementary classroom, a yearly tradition I will maintain in her honor. She was an amazing woman who touched many lives. I am blessed that she touched mine. She is an inspiration. May Emily and Mason carry her light with them always. Sending thoughts and prayers to her family. May you find peace. Minette & Dan Junkins
December 17, 2015
Lois bonasera
It is so sad to even write these words as it makes it real and I so want my dear friend Sondra to still be here in all of our lives. I've loved our friendship for so many years it is just so painful to lose you. I pray Mason and Emily know the depth of the love you had for them always.I'm so honored to love those kids as well. Sondra will be missed ...my heart aches and does not want to accept this sadness. George and Kathy I will be lifting you up as well as Richard to my heavenly Father as he is the only one who can heal a hurt this deep. Sondra I have always loved you my sweet friend
December 17, 2015
Family of Sondra...sorry for your loss! Words are no comfort.
She founded VIDA with our grandson, Curtis.
Ralph and Sandra Anderson Rochester, MN
December 16, 2015
Rogelio Byres,MD
After four Years,we met again in Merritt Island,such a Pleasure,You were so Kind to pick me up at the Mall and took me to share some minutes with Your Friends and had amazing Bloody Mary,then kindly again drove me to my home,we agree we would meet again,18 after you departed from this world,You will be always be remembered and I will continue to be part of your Dream,helping the Undeserved,working for VIDA,Good Bless You Sondra
December 16, 2015
Kathy Payne
We love you Sondra, Mom & Dad
December 16, 2015
Praying for Sondra and her family.
December 16, 2015
Michael O'Neil
I am totally shocked to hear this. Sondra was kind and caring and I know she is now with the Lord. I will pray for everyone in this tragic time. God bless.
December 15, 2015
bob orders
I am so sorry to here this you were a great to no you as I cut your grass good by my frend
December 15, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. Sondra was a warm and caring person and I will miss her very much.
December 15, 2015
So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Sondra. May she rest in peace.
December 15, 2015
Arna Cortazzo
My heart aches; I am devastated by Sondra's death. Please know that I am thinking of you and there is boundless love and prayer being offered for your family. Our time with Sondra was an incredible gift. I will always be grateful for her unlimited capacity to love all beings. Her friendship meant the world to me. I called her my little sis. In this time of shock and deep sorrow, I am also filled with gratitude for the sheer joy of Sondra's life, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as Sondra lives in our hearts forever.
December 15, 2015
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of Sondra, but grateful for her service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Costa Rica.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
December 15, 2015
"I am So Sorry for your loss. Keep leaning on GOD and he will comfort you in this difficult time PSALMS 29:11
December 14, 2015
A tragic end for a wonderful woman. Our heartfelt sympathy.
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