Sandi Pensinger Remembered: Lover Of Nature, Dogs, Adventure

In memory of Sandi Pensinger: Aug. 3, 1956 - Sept. 19, 2021.

Sandi Pensinger, 65, passed on Sunday, Sept. 19th 2021 at home in Capitola after a long battle with lung cancer.

Her loving husband of 42 years, Edwin Mabie, was at her side. Sandi was born Aug. 3rd, 1956 in Champaign, Illinois to Cynthia (Pratt) & Dr. Robert Pensinger. The family moved frequently but finally settled in Santa Cruz, California where she graduated from Harbor High School in 1974.

She was married to Edwin on January 31, 1979 on a 50' sailing yacht with the family Golden Retriever at their side. A graduate of Cabrillo College and then San Jose State University School of Business with Distinction in 1989.

Sandi embraced the PC revolution and was an early web developer, but she hit her stride with the establishment of her dog training business, Living with Dogs in the year 2000.

Sandi lead many causes over the years, usually to an epic scale, that touched many lives. She organized huge events like the Spring Dog Festivals and Harvest Hops and Hounds that raised more than $100,000 for the welfare of local dogs.

Sandi loved animals, butterflies, lavender, backpacking, fishing and camping in the Sierra. After being diagnosed with cancer, Sandi took up birding and visited every county in California to augment her bird life list.

Sandi is survived by her husband Edwin Mabie of Capitola, her mother Cynthia Pensinger of Aptos, her brother Doug Pensinger of San Jose, her sister Carol Martone of Corralitos, her nieces: Christina Smiley and Kait Martone, her nephews: Gregory Pensinger and Thomas Martone as well as her beloved Jack Russell Terriers Piper and Pilot.

A celebration of her life will be held in October (see dates, more detailed obituary and share your memories and photos at Santa Cruz Memorial website: scmemorial.com ). In lieu of flowers, Sandi asked that donations be made to Cornell Lab of Ornithology. cornellbirds@cornell.edu. 1-800-843-bird.