Socorro "Cora" Lara Sandeen

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Socorro “Cora” Lara Sandeen, who left this world peacefully on July 20, 2025, at Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center’s Whispering Hills Memory Care Ward in Mankato, MN, after a courageous journey with dementia.

Cora was a vibrant, compassionate, and generous woman who lived her life with heart, humor, and an unwavering love for her family. Born in Cavite City, Luzon, in the Republic of the Philippines, she was the cherished daughter of Susana Olaes and Felix Legaspi.

Her life’s journey took her from the Philippines to Oahu, Hawaii, where she raised her three children, Christine, Shirley, and Duane with love and strength with their supportive and loving father, Daniel. Cora was deeply proud of the kind, resilient individuals her children became. In 1992, she remarried Randolph “Randy” Sandeen in Honolulu, gaining two step-daughters, Christina and Cassandra, whom she raised as her own.

Cora had a deep passion for cooking and spent much of her career preparing meals that brought people together—whether on a dinner cruise in Honolulu, at the Ala Moana Hotel, or later at Friday’s and Red Lobster in Mankato. She also worked for Taylor Corporation at Fine Impressions. But beyond her work, it was her warm smile, sparkling energy, and fierce devotion to her family that left a lasting mark on everyone she met.

She loved music, dancing, special events, concerts, cover bands, and date nights out with her beloved husband. Whether it was shopping, exploring garage sales, enjoying swap meets, or watching movies, Cora brought joy and laughter wherever she went. Her greatest happiness came from caring for those she loved—and she gave her all to make others feel cherished.

Cora was preceded in death by her parents Susana and Felix, her first husband Daniel Hu Cheong Ing, and her beloved son, Duane. She showed extraordinary strength in caring for both Daniel and Duane during their illnesses, offering them love and comfort through their final days.

She is survived by her devoted husband Randy, daughters Christine Lewis and Shirley Nahoopii, stepdaughters Christina Sandeen and Cassandra Sandeen, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and her beloved pet cockatoo, Rascal.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor the beautiful soul she was.

Condolences may be sent to: Randolph Sandeen

1934 Haughton Ave. North Mankato, MN 56003 

randolphsandeen@icloud.com