Sarina Grace (Connelley) Astorga

Sarina Grace Astorga Connelley
January 25, 1969 - January 10, 2020
"A life stolen way to soon"

In the early morning hours of January 5th 2020 Sarina was struck by a car travelling at a high rate of speed in excess of 100 mph. The occupants, 2 adult males had a blatant disregard of the lives and safety of others and it is believed that both occupants were highly intoxicated. Truly a senseless tragedy that forever altered the lives of so many.

Sarina was born on January 25, 1969 to her parents, William D. Connelley and Marie Adel Johnson (Connelley). At the time of her birth she was welcomed by her 1 1/2 year old brother, Mark, and later welcomed her younger brother, Chad.

Sarina was born, raised and educated in Salt Lake City Utah. She met her first love, Kurt Astorga, at a young age; they were soon married and went on to give birth to three beautiful children, Jonathan, Elisha and Greg.

Sarina held few jobs in her short time here. She quickly excelled in each of them because of her great work ethic and ability to learn quickly. Most recently she was training for an assistant management position at Walgreens—she loved her job, coworkers and regular customers. One coworker in particular, Meg, became one of Sarina’s best and closest friends. Sarina would hope she knows just how much she cherished that friendship.

Sarina was selfless, kind, caring, compassionate and loving. There was nothing she wouldn't do for those she loved and cared for, even if it meant she had to do without. She also had a side where she told it as she saw it even if it hurt some feelings; she understood some things had to be said with the hope that lessons would be learned. She was often referred to and earned a reputation as a little firecracker and should have been required to wear a caution sign saying no open flames within 100 feet.

Family was her passion—her 3 children and 15 grandchildren were her pride and joy. She couldn't say enough good things about them. While 12 of her 15 grandchildren resided in Tucson AZ. 3 were born here in Salt Lake and she did her best to be in their lives as much as possible. They too, later joined their family in Tucson at which point they would facetime on a regular basis. Her favorite saying to her grandchildren was, “Who loves you baby?!” To which they would reply, "Nana does!" They will miss her dearly.

Sarina fought hard, along with many family and friends’ hopes and prayers, but her injuries were far too severe. She passed peacefully in the early hours of Friday January 10, 2020, in the loving arms of her MiniHer and beautiful daughter, Elisha.

Sarina is survived and immortalized by her 3 children along with their spouses; her 15 grandchildren; her mother; 2 brothers; father; and far too many to list, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, in laws, and dear friends she considered family. She will forever hold a special place in the hearts of so many. Gone but never forgotten.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at K2 the Church, a place of worship she attended regularly and was baptized at. Service will be January 20, 2020, at 3:00 PM. The address is 5049 South Murray Blvd., Salt Lake City, UT 84123. Flowers may also be sent to same address.

Sarina’s favorite color was purple, and her daughter, Elisha, has requested that attendees try to incorporate purple into their attire, whether it be a shirt, pants, dress, socks, shoes, flower or your own creation. K2 is a church of “come as you are”, so wear whatever you are comfortable in. Suits and formal dress are not required but certainly welcome.