Mary Frances Mendoza

Mary Frances Mendoza, better known as Miff, was a devoted Wife and Mother. Miff was preceded in death by Joseph Dan Mendoza, her loving husband of 56 years. She left the world on August 26, her 83rd birthday, and was surrounded in love and devotion by her children Danny, Tracey, Allison, and Erin as well grandgirl Elissa. In the week preceding her death, children and grandchildren gathered around her in laughter and in love.

Mary Frances started her life in 1937 in Oklahoma City to Mary and Obadiah Cummings and elder brother Lyndell. She told many stories of a happy and adventure-filled childhood. One of her earliest joys was spending time with her extended family and charming her way to candy before morning from her uncle and unknowingly to her Mother. She was a natural red-head and she lived up to the description of spice and full-spectrum color.

Her surviving family includes Danny and Mary Mendoza, Tracey Mendoza and Michael Frank, Allison and Keith McNeil, Erin and Kevin Chapman, and grands Jana Rosser and Alexis and David Shotorbani, Kathleen (and intended David Clauson), Nicolas, and Elissa Cuellar, Julianna and Emma McNeil, and Kaylee Chapman, and last but most definitely not least, great-grands Jaxon and Hannah Shotorbani. Aunt Miff is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who adore her and enjoyed “fun” Aunt Miff, special Aunt Miff.

For all the years she lived in Baytown, Miff was well-known as a dedicated educator who taught and inspired many generations of students in the community. She continued her adventure with travel, writing, and membership in both St. Joseph and St. John Catholic parishes.

Her family will hold a private ceremony to say their goodbyes and a public celebration of her life will be held later when people can come together again. We are comforted by the knowledge that she is with our Lord in her eternal reward actively “Miffing” up Heaven with her person, Dan.

In lieu of flowers, those who are interested can make donations to organizations that were important to our Mother.

Mendoza Scholarship Fund - Lee College

The American Lung Association

The Alzheimer's Association