Maria Natalia Mendes

Natalia was a proud resident of Bethel CT but her heart was in Danbury where many adventures began along with her husband, Marcel Mendes, of 64 years.

Shortly after their marriage in November of 1959, in Ferreiros, they immigrated to United States, 4th of July weekend of 1960. They settled in a small Portuguese community in Danbury, Connecticut. In September of 1960, Natalia gave birth to her first son, Roger Lopes Mendes (predeceased) and 6 years later, she welcomed her second son, John Lopes Mendes, in November of 1966.

After several factory jobs, Marcel decided to take risks and explore their dreams and Natalia was along for the ride They opened their first business, “International Bakery” on Liberty Street in 1967. Natalia delivered bread to local grocery stores and restaurants as well as bake and manage the bakery. Five years later in 1972 they opened “Marcels Place” on Chestnut Street. Together they created a place where many, especially “Portuguese”, gathered after work for a drink or to pick up the best Portuguese food and steak sandwiches in town.

Shortly after opening Marcel’s Place, Natalia gave birth to her daughter, Dyan Mendes Baptista, in 1973. Natalia continued her career at Marcel’s as a business owner, chef and caterer for the next 48 years.

Natalia touched many lives in her 85 years of life but most of all her family. She loved spending time and talking with all of her siblings in which she had amazing relationships with. Her sisters, Maria Alice Martins (Anibel), Fernanda Mendes (Alexander) and her brother Aureliano Lopes (Helena).

She loved her grandsons more than anything in this world and was blessed to be a part of caring for them as they grew. Jake and Dylan Baptista will forever love and miss Vovo Xata.

Her son-in-law, Miguel Baptista (Dyan) and daughter-in-law Tracey Mendes (John) will forever be grateful to have had Natalia in their lives.

Natalia loved spending time cooking, crocheting, gift giving, gardening and holidays surrounded by all of her family including many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Our gatherings will never be the same without her but we will always feel her spirit.

Natalia made many beautiful friends in her community and was proud of her Portuguese heritage attending several events at Portuguese clubs and churches where she loved to dance and sing. Natalia became a United States Citizen in 1967 and was so grateful for the country that gave her so many opportunities.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M Tuesday April 9th 2024 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Danbury CT.

A Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury.

Friends will be received from 4:00PM – 7 :00 PM on Monday, April 8th 2024 at the Green Funeral Home on 57 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810

In Natalia’s memory and In lieu of flowers, gifts made be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Danbury Regional Hospice in Danbury CT.