Serena Lynne Sanchez Valdivia, beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away on December 5, 2025, at Loma Linda University Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was 57 years old.
Born on September 7, 1968, in Riverside, California, Serena was the daughter of Cynthia Herrera Sanchez and Ralph Sanchez. She grew up in Redlands, California and resided in Highland, California, and graduated from Redlands High School. Later, she pursued higher education at the University of Phoenix, earning a degree in Psychology.
Serena faced many health challenges throughout her life, yet she met them with courage and determination. She was known for her outgoing personality, her warmth, and her ability to make friends wherever she went. Serena held many jobs over the years, always bringing her energy and kindness to those around her.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Cynthia Marie Herrera Chavarria Jolivette; stepfather, Clarence Joseph Jolivette; sister, Sandra Sanchez; maternal grandmother, Maria Herrera; paternal grandmother, Margaret Sanchez; and grandson, Aven Jaime Gonzalez.
Serena is survived by her children and grandchildren, who were the joy of her life:
• Daughter Cynthia Irene Valdivia Pineda and grandson Valentino Rios
• Daughter Kristen Valdivia Gomez, married to Nicolas Gomez, and granddaughters Elizabeth and Bethany Gomez
• Son Marcus Anthony Valdivia and grandsons Nathinel and Mando Valdivia
• Daughter Kayla Marie Valdivia
• Son Jordan Christian Delgado
She is also survived by her sister Sylvia Sanchez; niece Vanessa Sanchez Pompa and her sons Ryder Underbrink and Trip Underbrink; and nephew Riot Geenen.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 2, 2026. For details, please contact Kayla Valdivia at (909) 746-9632.