Anna Lee Richard Mendoza, a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, sister and dear friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at her residence surrounded by family. At her passing she was 89.
Anna was born on November 8, 1933 in rural Vermilion Parish to the late A.L “Baba” Richard and May Landry Richard and was one of six children. She grew up in her beloved Delcambre where she and her late husband, Allen, raised their family and built successful careers. As an Educator in the Iberia Parish School System, Anna Lee, who had superb penmanship, taught many children the importance of reading and writing. Over her 30 years of dedication and love of her students, she reached children at Hilda Roberts, Delcambre High and Delcambre Elementary. It was a career that she loved dearly.
The same dedication that Anna Lee had in her heart for her students, was also in her heart for her church and the people she loved most…her family. She was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Delcambre and a faithful member of the St. Anne’s Alter Society and gave of her time to help where needed.
Her children shared some of her favorite times that made their mother so happy. Simple things like sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren (she made sure that they were always dressed up) or riding along with Allen when he was making a hotshot run, and her coffee parties and eating out with her friends. It was also no secret that Anna Lee loved going to the deer camp in Mississippi and Arkansas with Allen and the kids. But without a doubt, those famous Mendoza family get-togethers were the best. Hanging out at her home, with everyone there, swimming, eating Allen’s world famous chili, or her absolute favorite meal of Spaghetti (which she had to have at least once a week) topped off anything else. And when she was blessed with having her grandchildren home at night, before they fell asleep, they were serenaded with her sweet voice singing, “close your eyes, go to sleep”.
Now, dear Anna, it is our turn to serenade you as you close your beautiful eyes, and enter into your peace and rest. Please give Allen a kiss and hug for us and in your eternal life, pray for us as we lift you up in prayer also. We love you dearly. Until we meet again.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Randall L. Mendoza and companion Deanna Smith Broussard, Jeannie Mendoza Grossie and husband Kevin, Lori Mendoza and Al Mendoza and wife Jennie; grandchildren, Austin Mendoza (Clara), Ashlyn Grossie (Mark), Kaitlin Wiggins (David), Alexa Frederick (RJ), Jacob Miguez (Ashlyn), Lauren Harrington (Joshua), Trenton Miguez, Eric LeBlanc (Bliss) and Megan LeBlanc Mercier (Anthony); 18 great grandchildren with one on the way; and sisters, Karen R. LeBlanc and husband Eddie and Myra R. Romero and husband William “Billy”.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Allen Mendoza, who passed away just four short months before her; and brothers, Keith Richard and Charles Richard.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Anna’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Buddy Breaux as the celebrant. Following the mass, she will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum alongside her husband.
Visiting hours will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with the Rosary being prayed by the St. Ann's Altar Society at 6:00 pm. Visiting hours will resume on Saturday from 8:00 am until the service time.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Randall, Al and Austin Mendoza, Kevin Grossie, Trenton Miguez, and David Wiggins. Honorary pallbearers are, Carter Wiggins, Cori Guidry, Eric LeBlanc and Jacob Miguez.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Jackie Weaver and to Anna’s many caregivers, Brenda Suire, Teresa Leiva, Renee Mire, Janet Suire, and Catherine Strother. Also to the nurses at Hospice of Acadiana, Laura Thibodeaux and Seth Porche. And finally to, Sheena Domingue and Melissa Vital.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences and memories with the family by visiting Anna’s memorial page at www.evangelinedelcambre.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
