Andee Banrasavong

Andee Banrasavong was a modest woman, kind and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of "stick to it" attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility. She was a left handed individual that walked to the beat of her own drum. She was always confident in her style and could take anything and make it look like a million bucks.

She was the daughter of Boonthanh and Viengkhone Banrasavong. Andee grew up in Banning, California.

Andee was raised with one sibling, her younger sister, Kathleen. Andee always enjoyed the company of her sister. They would go shopping, watch movies and play with their little cousins. Andee always looked out for her and made sure she had a good time. Andee was part of a close knit family, where she grew up with her only sister. She always did everything she could for her family and never passed up a moment to spend time with them. Not only was she a mentor to her younger sister, she was a great role model to her cousins Emilano, Temoc, Maya the children of her

oldest cousin Phitsmay Fernandez. They meant the world to her and she always made sure she made time for them, even while living three hours away.

A typical teenager, Andee had a happy, enriching high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Banning High School in 2006. One of the classes she enjoyed the most in high school was AP Environmental Science, because she learned a lot about the environment. One of her favorite quotes, thought up by her and family friend Queen Phommasene was "Save the trees," which they incorporated into their daily lives. A common Andee signature. She gained close relationships with many of her teachers, two being her favorites, Mrs. Allison Roberts and Mr. Daniel Varney. She will be remembered for her contribution to the A.V.I.D. program as the club's treasurer.

Andee enjoyed her college years, taking interesting classes and joining A. A. C. F - Asian American Christian Fellowship. She was a big part of this program and always supported all of the members in spiritual matters. Everything she did, she put her whole heart into and she always did it with a positive attitude and smile on her face. She worked hard to do well in school by earning well over a cumulative GPA of a 3.0, something not many college students can achieve. She received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and minored in Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2010. Her favorite course was child development because she loved working with children.

Always considered a great and one-of-a-kind friend to those she knew, Andee enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Her best friends were Annette Luevano, Cindy Garcia, Brittany Perez and Mary Parra. Later in life, she became friends with Jerry Wang, Scarlette Novoa, Allen Villenas, Preston Lee, Adam and

Jennifer.

Andee had recently become engaged to marry Armando Quinn Reyneso, her high school sweetheart. The wedding would have taken place on June 15, 2011 in Banning, California.

She was raised with a strong work ethic and put one-hundred and ten percent in every place she worked. Andee worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was full-time student in addition to being a student teacher assistant at an elementary school. She was employed by Francisco Elementary School where she made a huge impact in the students she tutored. She had also worked in retail having been employed by United Colors of Benetton, Max Studio, Gymboree and Gossip where she made life long friends on the way. Andee always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Andee enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were tutoring kids, being one with God and being the best daughter, sister, fiancé and friend. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Andee was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list was U. F. C. She also enjoyed rooting for the Lakers

and the Chargers with her dad and sister.

Throughout her life, Andee was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Andee was a member of the A. V. I. D., CSF and Spanish Club. In college, Andee joined the A. A. C. F. And was a Bible study teacher.

Andee was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. Politically, Andee was a proud Democrat.

Andee's faith was important to her. She was a member of the Asian American Christian Fellowship for 4 years. During that time, she was part of prayer meetings, women's group and a large discipleship. There she met life long friends made her transition to Santa Barbara much more easier.

Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Andee was given accolades for her many and varied

accomplishments throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included the 5Th grade science fair with her project "Is my cat left or right pawed?" and was part of the A.V.I.D Recognition Night where she received her medallion for her four year enrollment.

Andee enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Her favorite vacations included Mexico, where she met her financé's family and Laos, where she met her grandmother and extended family.

Andee was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Some of her favorites were her Chihuahuas, Zowie and Kash, and her cat, Abby. They were best friends; Zowie for 8 years, Kash for 3 years and Abby for 6 years. Her family was rounded out by her Cocker spaniel, Milo.

Andee passed away on May 5, 2010 in Goleta, California. She is survived by her parents, Viengkhone and Boonthanh Banrasavong; her sister, Kathleen Banrasavong; her fiancé, Armando Quinn Reyneso; aunt, Keo Ket; uncles, Douangchit Douangkeo, Daron Ketsou and Tue Ketsou; cousins, Phitsmay Fernandez, Emilano Fernandez, Temoc Fernandez and Maya Fernandez; and her best friends, Annette Luevano, Cindy Garcia, Brittany Perez and Mary Parra. Services were held at Weaver Mortuary Chapel 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, California 92223 at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. Andee was laid to rest in San Gorgonio Memorial Park 2201 North San Gorgonio Avenue, Banning, CA 92220.

Simply stated, Andee was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person,always one to put others needs before her own needs, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Andee leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Andee Banrasavong.