Hilda Burton Mendoza

Hilda Mendoza was a true original. She was a selfless caregiver, an everyday hero, an inspiration and a shining ray of light. On April 12, 2015, at age 71, she left this world peacefully and with grace after suffering complications due to a stroke at Sunrise Hospital in her current hometown of Las Vegas. She was born in the Philippines on August 29, 1943. She was a devoted wife to her husband and soul mate, Roberto Mendoza, who she was wedded to for 42 years. Hilda came to the United States and worked in a nursing exchange program at Newark Beth Israel Hospital from 1966 to 1968 while at the same time getting her Bachelor of Science degree at Mercy College. She also worked assisting surgeons in the OR and helping mentally ill patients. Eventually she got a job as head of AIDS research for several hospitals. She not only achieved great success in her career but she helped countless people along the way. Hilda was a beautiful and generous soul who always helped others and she was always supportive, loving and accepting. She had a voracious appetite for life, loved travel and adventure. She loved dancing and singing and her effervescent nature always made her the life of the party. She was a role model to her family and friends. Whenever people needed her—she was always there. She was a fun-loving being who always brought joy to those around her. Hilda is survived by her two daughters who were her pride and joy. She made many selfless sacrifices in her life so her family could thrive—even till the very end and for that we will always remember her and be forever grateful..