Cesar Mendoza Mejia

Husband, father, and grandfather. Brother, uncle, and a teacher to many, Cesar will always be remembered for his inspirational skills with a rice cooker and ability to belt out a heart-wrenching rendition of ‘Edelweiss.’ His Alberta Vocational Centre students knew him as a kind and mild-mannered English instructor, a humorous teacher with a kind heart who always had the right suit and the right thing to say (even if it was wildly inappropriate). Cesar was known for his long, entertaining stories, which he loved to repeat often.

Cesar was a pillar in the Filipino community. He contributed to the preservation of his culture and language. Cesar served as President and board member of the Saranay Filipino Association and helped develop curriculums for the enrichment of its constituents. Later in years, he and its program directors planned and led excursions to the Philippines to help the next generations learn about their heritage.

Cesar held several educational degrees and honors, with a Doctorate in Philosophy and Master’s in Psychology. He also has a black belt in Casino slot machines.

He is survived by his loving wife Carmelita; his children Thomas, Jerome, Francis, Benedict (Janessa), Mary Jane (Jose), and Robert; his grandchildren Nicole, Kristen (Brad), Stephanie (Mason), Noah (Epiphany), Jacob, Benjamin, Sarah, Carmen and Isabel; great-grandchildren Kaleigh, Carter, Brayden, Ella Rose and Rafael; sister Teresita; brothers Benjamin and Rev Robert. Cesar was predeceased by his parents Santiago and Josefa, brothers Jose Maria Mendoza and Augusto, and special grandson-in-law Sacha.

Viewing and prayers will be held at Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium (9810 – 34th Avenue, Edmonton) on February 18th and 19th, from 5:00pm – 9:00pm, with a mass celebration on February 19th at 6:30pm. The memorial mass and celebration of life will be held at Corpus Christi Church (2707 – 34th Street, Edmonton) on February 20th at 1:30pm.