Nena, her three sisters, and two brothers were born in Fort Hancock, Texas. She graduated from Fort Hancock High School as valedictorian in May of 1943. She continued her education at the El Paso College of Mines (now UTEP), and was in attendance at the college when the name changed to Texas Western College. She subsequently attended classes at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at Arlington. She became a teacher and retired in 1987 after teaching for 36 years. Nena was always caring and willing to help everyone. She was a member of the El Paso Retired Teachers Association, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Friends of the Library-Lower Valley, and the Jolly Elders. Nena was honored with the induction into the Older El Paso Hall of Fame in 2008. She was so proud! In October of 2015, she was also recognized with an award for 25 years of service with the El Paso Retired and Senior Volunteer program which was signed by the Governor of Texas.
Her biggest joy in life was being married for 64 years to her husband, Atilano (Tito) Ramiro Mendoza, who was a US Navy WWII veteran and teacher for 38 years.
Nena was preceded in death by her parents Fred Villa and Carmen Serna Villa, her husband Tito, and her sisters Rosie Scott and Berta Jasper. She is survived by her siblings Fred Villa, Mike Villa, and Lucy Rodriguez and her many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 25th, 2021 from 4:00 - 9:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn Funeral Home on 8817 Dyer Street, El Paso, Texas 79904.
Vigil Service will be held on Monday, October 25th, 2021 at 7:00pm at Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn Funeral Home on 8817 Dyer Street, El Paso, Texas 79904.
Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 9:00 am, October 26th at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa, El Paso, Texas 79902.
Graveside service will be Tuesday October 26th, 2021 at 10:30 am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave. El Paso, Texas 79906.
Pall bearers will be: Hector Rodriguez, Rick Rodriguez, Daniel Rodriguez, Hector Christian Rodriguez, Matthew Ryan Rodriguez, and Virgil Scott.
