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A memorial service remembering the life and legacy of Kate Steinle, a Pleasanton native who was killed in San Francisco last week while visiting Pier 14, saw about 400 friends and family members fill the Ruby Hill Winery’s event hall Thursday afternoon.

Attendees reflected on Steinle’s kindness, friendliness and ability to see joy in everyday life.

Steinle’s best friends from Pleasanton, her travels abroad and her other key points in her life spoke. Her boyfriend, brother, sister-in-law and parents also offered tribute to Steinle’s generosity and sense of wonder about the world.

They spoke in broken voices but emphasized that their lives are better for knowing and loving Steinle. Her mother spoke of how she’d given away a coat to a homeless person who was cold, and friends said she went well out of her way to make anyone feel at home, even a stranger.

A rendition of Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance” and a family slideshow were played for attendees.

Her family asked guests to hug their families, make amends with any broken ties and to love deeply every day.

Steinle, an Amador Valley High alumna, saw life as a celebration, and speakers at her memorial asked guests to spread Steinle’s enthusiasm as they go about their lives.

Steinle died July 1 after she was shot. Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, an undocumented immigrant, was charged in connection with her death and pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.

Steinle’s death had spurred debates on immigration and sanctuary city laws, which limit officials’ ability to act on undocumented immigrants’ status.

Steinle’s family asked attendees at the funeral to avoid politicizing her death and to honor Steinle by reflecting on her life.

Steinle is survived by her parents, Jim Steinle and Liz Sullivan, of Pleasanton, and her brother, Brad Steinle.

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2 Comments

  1. What a shame, the white house didn’t send any officials. What do we expect from a government thats supports illegal activity in SF. Our government let you down Kate you will be missed.

  2. the main thing is that illegal aliens are encouraged to come here in order to have kids who will vote for the democratic party. that way we have more taxes, more spending on the public sector, and a foreign policy designed to foster alternatives to democracy, for instance state-capitalism, communism, and islam.

    and more firearms given to federal employees.

  3. The Pleasanton Weekly Editors should question why there have not been any responses from the Obama Administration over Kate’s untimely death. Kate’s wonderful family are among Pleasanton’s finest. The Obama Admin did not send ANY representatives to Kate’s services. Why not? Obama himself spoke at Trayvon Martin’s funeral. There were many DOJ officials investigating Ferguson, Baltimore, Trayvon, etc. So far I hear crickets from the Obama Admin regarding Kate’s death.

    Remember PW it is one of your Mission Statements to provide a check on government. Take a stand PW and step up.

  4. You three commenters above missed the point. The memorial service was a loving celebration of a cherished young woman who died before her time. The speakers all claimed her to be their best friend. The family excluded press (and politicians) because this was a tribute to a wonderful person who loved without restriction, had a beautiful smile she shared with many, and is much missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

    No need for SF, Sac or DC to get involved Thursday. Those of us who were able to join the family and friends all left with wet eyes and a fuller appreciation of who Kate was.

    And her message “Whatever’s good for your soul … do that”. That’s what we all need to carry forward into our lives.

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