Mary E. Mendoza

Mary Elizabeth (Oliphant) Mendoza went to be with the Lord on February 26, 2021. She left this world due to natural causes with great anticipation as she was a woman of faith raised in the Catholic religion and often spoke of leaving this world for a better one. She is preceded in death by her youngest son James and her husband Fred. She is survived by nine children with their spouses and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mentor, housewife, business woman, friend and confidant.

As a member of the greatest generation she lived through many of the difficult times presented during those years. Raised in San Antonio by nuns at an orphanage she quickly became a good student while submitting to the rigors of life as an orphan. She learned Spanish at the orphanage and in Mexico while visiting and studying there for a short period. She soon became fluent in speaking, reading and writing Spanish and was more proficient in that language than her husband who was born and raised in Mexico during his youth.

Married to Fred Mendoza on May 29, 1948 they set about creating a home and raising a family. While times were difficult financially Mary was adept at stretching a dollar and maintaining a budget. Her children soon learned that nothing was wasted at the Mendoza home. Fighting among siblings was not tolerated and love plus team work was the optimum goal within the family. Because of her teachings and philosophy the family is tight knit, always responsive to each other’s opportunities and never say no to each other in time of need. She instilled a can do attitude in all her children and would not let adversity get in the way of living. During their formative years she insisted that her children attend a catholic grade school. The rosary was recited every evening before any television or play time. She relented on attending a catholic high school and allowed her children to choose one in the district in which they lived. She was involved in as many school and sporting events possible in which her children participated.

As her children became teenagers and less dependent on her help she ventured out into the business world. She first had to teach herself how to drive a car; thank goodness she lived out in the country on a dirt road with little traffic. She obtained a job working at a retail store and quickly moved up the ranks to head cashier. Many were the nights she did not get home until after midnight; always tired but with a look of satisfaction for a job well done. Her next job was at a savings and loan association where once again because of her work ethic she moved up the management ladder quickly. They hated to see her leave several years later. She loved working outside of home.

As suburbia encroached on their country lifestyle in Leon Valley, Mary and Fred built a home on two acres in Helotes. She was involved in all aspects of the interior of the house design and took great pride in her new home. It quickly became party central for her children and she always enjoyed a gathering of family and friends at her home. Weddings, birthdays, holidays and just any event were celebrated there. She welcomed everyone.

Later in life as time took its toll on her youth and health she was not one to complain. She loved to read and her greatest challenge was the loss of her eyesight. She missed reading the daily newspaper and especially solving the crossword puzzle there in with record time. As the years rolled on, she succumbed to a better life in a better place. Mary is loved and held in high esteem by her children and her extended family of grandkids and their children. She was our matriarch and rock and will be missed.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Bandera Road March 17, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. followed by a rosary at 7:00 P.M. at the same location. Her funeral mass will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 7893 Grissom Road, San Antonio 78251 on March 18, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. followed by internment at San Fernando Cemetery II.