Esperanza Mendoza Fortner

Esperanza Mendoza Fortner, 98 of Union County, NC went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her family.

Born on December 18, 1924 in Panama, she was the daughter of the late Pedro Jose and Dominga Mendoza Quijada. Esperanza loved to cook for her family and friends. Many of her hobbies included, sewing, gardening and swimming. She was loved by her family and will be dearly missed.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Lloyd Clyde Fortner and 3 sisters, Eva Quijada, Livoria Quijada Castilla and Laura Quijada and a brother, Teofilo Quijada, as well as, 2 sons-in-law, Marvin Shoupe and Leon Frye.

Those left to cherish her memory include, 4 sons, Domingo Martino, Benny Martino, Alan Fortner and wife, Ann and Alvin Fortner; 3 daughters, Carmen Robinson, Yolanda Shoupe and Nereida Frye; 18 grandchildren, Victoria, Megan, Robbie, Brenda, Lisa, James, Marty, Donna, Michael, Jason, Mark, Joseph, Maria, Tony, Melinda, Daniel, Terry, Ryan and many great grandchildren, as well as numerous great-great grandchildren; a niece, Dalida Benfield; a nephew, David Tejada and a sister, Modesta Zanjur.

A Graveside Service will be held at Catawba Memorial Park on Monday, August 7, 2023 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jason Shoupe officiating.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Fortner Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.