Sandra Diane Mullen

Sandra “Sandy” Mullen, of Encinitas, California, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the age of 83. She was born on July 14, 1942, in Los Angeles, California to Melvin Oppegard and Mary Oppegard, née Barrio. She graduated from Southgate High School in 1960. Although Sandy wasn’t actively involved in any groups or clubs, her home was always open to family, friends, and those in need. She particularly enjoyed opportunities to be surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family parties were an essential part of her life. Her grandchildren recall stories of her miraculous bean dip and the one Christmas she announced she wasn’t making bean dip and there was almost a riot. They lovingly recollect the hours spent making gingerbread houses, hanging out at the kitchen island eating the wide array of pre-meal snacks, and running between the playroom, the family room, and the backyard. Some memories include Oreo milkshakes, her mutant goldfish, feeding the hummingbirds, watching the Sci-Fi channel, and trips with the grandkids to the Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, Carrillo Ranch, and Sea World. She’s remembered for the warmth of her hugs, the love she shared with everyone, her patience, and the soft and soothing way she would speak to people. She was strong and resilient, intelligent and resourceful, innovative and imaginative. She surrounded herself with books, her gardens, a variety of animals, and people who made her world complete. She is survived by her daughters, Michelle, Charis, Kym, and Tammy, her ten grandchildren, and her thirteen great grandchildren. The family would like to thank all those who cared for Sandy over the past couple of years; those who showed her compassion and love as she approached her final days; and those who spent their time making her time meaningful. Sandy is deeply loved and she will be missed.