Boulder Creek

Sanda Jo Spiegel, artist, writer, therapist, naturalist and scholar passed away peacefully in the company of family members on November 14, 2024 while a patient at Kaiser Santa Clara Hospital.

Sanda was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 14, 1947 to Ed Spiegel and Anabelle Light. She spent her early years in Chicago frequently under the care of her much loved grandmother while her parents were employed. After graduation from the University of Chicago, Sanda’s mother began work as a lab technician. After the family moved to Southern California, Sanda’s mother began and completed work at the University of Southern California for a PhD in Education. At about the same time, Sanda’s father, was enrolled in the USC film school, subsequently took up a career in film and becoming an award-winning producer.

Sanda’s elementary and high school years were spent in the San Fernando Valley town Reseda while Sanda’s father began a career in the film industry. Sanda enrolled in UCLA upon graduation from Reseda High School. She transferred to U.C. Berkley where she earned a PhD in Cultural Anthropology after completing field studies in France. She was a teaching assistant at U.C. Santa Cruz while writing her doctoral dissertation. She subsequently held interim faculty positions at the University of San Francisco and San Jose State University.

Sanda felt strongly about volunteerism and community service. While in Mountain View, she served several terms on the board of the Whisman School District. She was also appointed by Anna Eshoo to serve several terms with the California Commission on the Status of Women. While a resident of Boulder Creek, Sanda served on the board of the Valley Women’s Club and was a member of the Mountain Art Center. She also served as interpretive docent at Henry Cowell State Park.

Sanda was a voracious reader and devoted artist. She loved classical music and was always ready for a stimulating conversation. She had an amazing command of language and was frequently my pre-Siri source of information.

Sanda is survived by Hal Anjo, her husband of 47 years, by sons Benjamin of Mountain View, Gabriel of Boulder Creek, stepdaughter Carolyn Albee of Eugene, Oregon and brothers Jonathan and Michael Spiegel of Walnut Creek. Grandchildren include Sam and Frankie and step grandchildren Jocelyn and Eliot.

A memorial event is planned for late February or early March. Email: drhal2010@gmail.com