Maria Mendez

Maria Mendez, age 92, passed away peacefully April 9, 2024 after a brief illness. She was born November 19, 1931 in McAllen, Texas to Augustine and Catalina Rodriquez. She married Ernesto G. Mendez on December 15, 1953 who preceded her in death in 2012.

After the age of six, Maria was raised by her grandparents, Timoteo and Leonides Mauricio in Mission, Tx.  They owned a family farm which provided work and crops. There she learned the meaning of hard work.  Alongside her grandparents, she learned to manage the business. There were so many wonderful stories she shared of her time spent with her uncles, aunts and cousins. After moving away, it was very important for her to stay in touch with her family.  She’d write letters and make phone calls to check on her loved ones. She had the kindest, loving heart.  

Maria and her husband lived in Weslaco, Tx, Lago Vista and Cedar Park before settling in Georgetown, Tx. She retired from 3M in 2011 to spend more time with her husband and family.

Maria worked hard for her family.  Always provided for her children and made sure they never went without necessities. If they needed a little extra help, she was there to help wherever needed.  If you were sick, she knew what kind of herb you needed to make you better.  Always calling to check on everyone. Loved spending time with family on holidays, birthdays and BBQs. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  To some, she was known as the shoe grandmother. Kids would say they needed shoes and before you knew it, they had new shoes. Always very witty and had a great sense of humor. She could also tell a good joke from time to time. She raised her children to be hard working and respectful. Her kids will tell you she had a sixth sense about her, because even if they hadn’t done anything wrong, yet, she already knew about it.  

Maria was a beautiful lady inside and out. Always ready to help anyone in need. She touched all our hearts and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her life was a living example of Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.”

Maria is survived by her children, Magdalena Lopez (Salvador), Joe Mendez (Rosie), Sylvia Janda, Sally Mendez, Rey Mendez (Maria). Eleven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by 6 brothers, 1 sister; Sons, Steven and Enrique Mendez, grandson Steven Hay, granddaughters Jennifer Janda and Mikaela Mendez.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 18 at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, from 5-7 pm with the rosary beginning at 7 pm.

The funeral services will take place the following morning, Friday, April 19, at 10 am, also at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel. Afterwards, she will be laid to rest next to her husband Ernesto at Georgetown Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Timothy Mendez, Kevin Hay, Matthew Lemons, Joshua Lemons, Logan Mendez, Regan Mendez.

Honorary Pallbearers are her grandson Ethan Mendez and great grandchildren, Aidan Aldaco, Avery Aldaco, Max Mendez, Jace Mendez, Timothy Mendez Jr., Hayden Stevens, Blake Schneider, Jynesis Mendez & Brayden Hay, Brianna Hay