Mary H. Mendoza

Mendoza, Mary H. At age 90 our mom went to be with her heavenly Father, Friday, June 28, 2013. She passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by four sisters, Andrea Perez; Lydia Esparza; Dominga Ramirez; Luz Santoyo; and three brothers, John Herrera; Ramon Herrera; and Joaquin Herrera. Mary is survived by her husband, Manuel Mendoza; six children, Rita Vasquez; Benny Mendoza; Yolanda Mendoza; Janette Montano; Joan Shea; and Lisa Rodriguez; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. She was born June 1, 1923 to Ascension Salas and her father Domingo Herrera in Coal Basin, NM. Her family moved to Gallup, NM and she helped take care of her mom until she passed in 1946. She studied for and received her GED in 1974 and later worked for McKinley County Schools (Washington Elementary School) in the late 1980's. She was an amazing woman and never gave herself enough credit for all her accomplishments. Following her mothers passing, Mary and Manuel were married October 21, 1948, at St. Francis Church in Gallup, NM. They were married for 64 years. They raised their children in Gallup, NM and then retired to Rio Rancho, NM in April 1990. Those of you who knew our mom knew how ambitious and hard working she was her whole life. She was never selfish and she always thought about everyone else. Her physical and emotional support for each of her children was so extraordinarily special. She always had a comforting hug and words for each of us in her own special way. We will never forget her sweet words of wisdoms to us - "Don't ever give up, try hard, and thank God for your blessings". Her determination and loving heart will be greatly missed. Mom for as long as our memories and as long as our lives last, we will never forget your love, compassion, your sweet smile, and your love for each of us. A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am, with the Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:30 am, Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. Interment to follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. Pallbearers will be Orlando Vasquez, Andrew Rodriguez, Neal Shea, Nathan Montano, Patrick Shea, and Patrick Montano. Honorary Pallbearer will be Benny Mendoza. The family would also like to thank Ambercare for the loving and outstanding care given to Mary.