The community is reflecting on the life and legacy of Roseana Spangler-Sims, a 72-year-old California woman who passed away after a courageous and deeply personal battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Diagnosed in April 2024, Roseana faced a grim prognosis of six months or less. Her final months were marked by severe physical challenges, including constant pain and the inability to eat, yet she approached her journey with dignity, love, and courage.

After careful thought and heartfelt conversations with her loved ones, Roseana made the decision to use California’s Medical Aid in Dying law, enacted in 2015, which allows terminally ill adults to make compassionate end-of-life choices. Her decision was guided not by fear, but by a desire to reclaim peace and alleviate suffering. In her own words, she expressed, “This cancer will likely win, so I want to stop the suffering.”

Roseana’s strength during her illness was mirrored by the unwavering support of her family, especially her son, Shawn, who stood by her side in her final days. Surrounded by loved ones, Roseana embraced the moments that mattered most—sharing laughter, revisiting cherished memories, and expressing gratitude for the life she lived and the people she loved. Her family recalls that even amid immense challenges, her focus remained on connection, love, and finding comfort in the presence of those closest to her.

Her story has resonated deeply, not only with her immediate community but also with many across California and beyond, as it underscores the humanity and compassion embedded in end-of-life choices. Roseana’s decision to use the Medical Aid in Dying law reflects her bravery and her belief in living—and leaving—on her own terms. For her, this was not an end defined by loss, but one shaped by peace, dignity, and the strength to make her voice heard.

Roseana will be remembered as a woman of resilience, compassion, and courage. Those who knew her best describe her as someone with a warm heart and an indomitable spirit, who inspired others to live authentically and face life’s challenges with honesty. Her openness in sharing her journey offers comfort and guidance to others who may be navigating similar paths, showing that even in the face of terminal illness, there is space for choice, dignity, and love.

As her family and friends mourn her passing, they also celebrate a life that was rich in meaning. Roseana’s legacy will live on in the lessons she imparted: to value time, to love deeply, and to face life’s hardest moments with grace and courage.

Her passing is not only a profound personal loss to her loved ones but also a moment of reflection for all who hear her story. Roseana’s journey reminds us of the importance of compassion, the right to peace, and the enduring strength of love in the face of life’s greatest challenges.