~ Sierra's Story ~

Sierra grew up in California with her parents and siblings. She graduated from Fallbrook Union High School in 1995 where she had many friends and enjoyed taking part in the Drama Club. She participated in school productions and state drama competitions.

After graduation, Sierra and her high school boyfriend worked and lived in California, where they had a beautiful son together. Eventually, the three of them moved to Connecticut, where they strived to provide a better life for him.

Sierra was a good natured, creative, and thoughtful person. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping and hiking as well. She often made gifts for people with things she collected while out exploring nature. She enjoyed outdoor picnics with her family, and quiet walks in the woods.

Her true love in life was her son, whom she loved with all her might. She was a very devoted, giving, affectionate and loving mother. His needs were her top priority, and she had a special way about her that always made him smile. Whenever she walked into the room, his eyes would light up. They were very close. She involved herself in every aspect of his young life, and often volunteered her time in her son's kindergarten class.

Sierra worked as a financial analyst briefly, but left because she was not able to compromise customer's finances, just to receive commissions. She left the finance field disheartened, but found new love in the field of the martial arts. She had a deep appreciation for the spiritual aspect of the art, and put her heart into every move. She was an instructor at a local Karate and Kick Box school, where she loved and adored the children she taught, touching the hearts of many children and parents. She was very patient with her students, giving each one the individual attention if they needed. She found her new work to be very rewarding. In addition to her employment in the martial arts and her duties as a single mother, Sierra also attended nursing school at a local community college. She was thrilled when she earned high honors and made the dean's list. Sierra was always working towards a positive goal, and had much left to contribute to her family and society.

Sierra profoundly touched the lives of so many people, and in so many ways. She could never have known the impact she made on all the lives she touched Her passing has left a hole in the hearts of many. Many people feel they lost a part of themselves when Sierra left us. She was a fun loving free spirit who opened her heart to help others. The world is a better place because she was here.

A temporary memorial was set up in the parking lot where she lost her life. Hundreds of people came to the memorial, many offering candles, flowers, and poems. These people were family, friends, students, acquaintances, many of whom she had never met. All these people paid tribute to her memory and shed many tears. They expressed their loss, sadness, fond memories, and also their anger. A beautiful person and member of the community had been lost; she had so much to offer and so much left to give.