Eleanor Mendoza

Eleanor (Santos) Mendoza, 94, of Dartmouth, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Michael Mendoza, with whom she shared 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, Eleanor was the daughter of the late Joseph C. and Constance (Martin) Mendoza. A proud graduate of New Bedford High School, she went on to build a fulfilling and varied career. She worked at Economy Blouse, Jemmy’s Sportswear, and became a dedicated Real Estate Agent. Eleanor also spent many years working in several Day Care Centers, where her gentle nature and warm spirit made every child feel uniquely special. Her love for children was one of the defining joys of her life.

Eleanor enjoyed cooking, gardening, crocheting, listening to music, reading, and traveling. She had a special fondness for dogs, especially her beloved Cuddles. Affectionate, giving, and full of grace, Eleanor possessed a gentle soul and a smile that lit up every room she entered.

She and her husband, Michael, lived a beautiful life together. Their years in Florida were especially cherished—filled with cookouts, clambakes, old western movies, and quiet moments simply enjoying each other’s company. Their love story was made even more remarkable by the many times their paths crossed before officially meeting—proof that some things are simply meant to be.

Eleanor was a beautiful woman, inside and out, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her devoted husband, Michael, she is survived by dear friends John Pimentel and his wife, Michelle, of Dartmouth.

Private arrangements are in the care of WARING-SULLIVAN HOME AT DARTMOUTH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or the Wounded Warriors Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org

For online tributes, please visit our website at www.waring-sullivan.com