Sara Nani Ochoa

Sara Nani Ochoa passed into God’s peace on January 30, 2025, at home in the presence of family, while also being surrounded and held close by loving family and friends—near and far—during these past months.

Sara was preceded in death by her grandparents Paul & Polly Scully, her aunt Rose Marie Scully, her grandfather Francis Dung, her auntie Jan Thomas, her cousin Jordan Rounds, and her loyal terrier Baxter.

Sara was born on December 5, 1976, to Garrick & Lela Dung in Spokane, Washington. In the years that followed, she became an older sister to Erin and Jason. Throughout her life, Sara paved a path of faithful friendships with her welcoming nature and generous spirit of hospitality. She nurtured those lasting friendships from childhood into high school, then as she pursued her love of ballet and involved herself more in the restaurant business. It was restaurant work that brought Sara to Portland, Oregon, where she met and married Luis Ochoa in 2011, also entering into her role as a second mother to Luis’s son, Izel. She cherished all the times they could spend together as a family. Sara & Luis welcomed their baby daughter, Lola Frances, in 2016. This adventure of motherhood opened her heart to another world of precious friends who helped her spirit continue to grow in new directions. Family, and dear friends who became like family over the years, were so important to Sara. Staying connected to that love was always a priority to her heart. Sara’s memory would be beautifully honored if we each recommit our own bonds of love with those whose lives are closely knit with ours.

Sara was a wonderful storyteller who knew all the right details to highlight when recounting a good story. As a friend, Sara truly cared how others were doing. She always went out of her way to ensure the comfort of those around her, and was passionate about being a person for others.

Sara is survived by her husband, Luis; her daughter, Lola; her stepson, Izel Ochoa Read; her parents, Lela & Garrick Dung; her sister, Erin (James) Rougier; her brother, Jason (Camille) Dung; her nephews, Jackson and Bowie Dung; her grandmother Margaret Dung; along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Special gratitude is extended to all those who have traveled recently to provide loving care for Sara and her whole family.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at The Monarch Hotel in The Clackamas Room. 12566 SE 93rd Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015 

In lieu of flowers, Sara suggested that donations be given to The Emmaus Fund, which provides counseling care for students attending Gonzaga Preparatory School in Spokane, Washington.