Sara Therese (Ongena) Spence

Our cherished Sara, a loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, at the age of 50. Surrounded by her loving family and friends in her Denver home, she left this world a brighter place for having been in it.

Born in Michigan, Sara’s infectious laugh and fun-loving spirit were evident from a young age. She enjoyed sailing the Great Lakes with her family, an early sign of her deep connection to nature. After earning a degree in interior design from Michigan State University, she began a career that blended her creativity with her passion for beauty and design.

Sara found her home in the dynamic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains. She was an avid hiker, biker, skier, and snowboarder, always seeking adventure and often sharing these experiences with her many dear friends. She loved the lakes, ocean, the mountains, and the forest, finding peace and inspiration there.

Above all, Sara was a passionate, kind, and caring mother who adored her three children more than anything. Her legacy of love and her radiant spirit will live on through her family and the countless lives she touched.

Sara is survived by her devoted husband, Jacob Spence; their three children, Magnus, Aero, and Maren Spence; her mother: Theresa Ongena; her siblings: Christopher (Karen) Ongena, and Stephanie (Michael) Munley; and her nieces and nephews: Thomas, Matthew, Margaret Ongena; and Finnbarr and Audrey Munley.

Sara is preceded in death by her father Dr. Charles Ongena; and grandparents: Robert and Dorothy Ongena and Lawrence and Audrey Keehn.

Funeral services A Vigil will be held on Wednesday, October 22, from 4 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. at Horan & McConaty, 1091 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80246.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3959 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80210. A luncheon will be provided at the adjoining parish center following the service.

In lieu of flowers The family requests that donations be made in Sara's memory to: https://gofund.me/9bb9f4ac8