Wilma Estelle Mendonca

Born in 1923, in Weinert, TX, Wilma moved with her family to Pixley, CA, in 1936. In 1943, she wed Joseph A. Mendonca, Sr., of Tulare. Wilma was a homemaker, and together, the couple resided in multiple homes throughout the Central Valley (Tulare, Exeter, Hanford…). They raised one son, Joe Jr., and following the death of Joseph Sr., Wilma moved to Porterville, where she lived independently for more than 20 years.

She loved to socialize and “cut up” with family and friends, enjoyed walking and keeping busy both indoors and out, and was immensely proud of her family.

Wilma is survived by her only son, Joseph A. Mendonca, of Lemoncove, CA; one of nine sisters, Doris Garrison, of Visalia; seven grandchildren--Ann Clark (Terrence), Carrie Wells (Michael), Libby Spalding, Vickey Mendonca, Staci Kovalchuk (Anton), Abby Mendonca, and Mark Mendonca; fourteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.