Janet Elaine Mendonca

Janet was born on October 14, 1940, in Vandalia, Illinois, to Charles and Nora (Michel) Kupferer. She received the gift of Holy Baptism on November 6, 1940, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Vandalia, under the ministry of Pastor A.C. Meier. She publicly confessed her faith in Christ at her Confirmation on April 11, 1954, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Vandalia, under the instruction of Rev. W.H. Wetzstein.

On June 29, 1963, Janet was united in marriage to Albert Lawrence Mendonca in Van Nuys, California. Together they were blessed with three children: Gregory, Tracey, and Kevin.

She is survived by her stepson Timothy (Mirna), stepson Mark, son Gregory (KayLee), daughter Tracey McDaneld (Ron-deceased) and son Kevin (Theresa). She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Thomas, Roxanne, Courtney Limon (husband Seth; daughter Capri), Kara Quiroz (husband Jeremy; daughters Emmerson and Marlowe), Ryan Jordon, Christina, Kristen Takagi, Erin, Kori Stiles “Kori (partner Ryan Stiles; son Ryan)”, Quinn McDaneld, Adrian, Kylie McDaneld, Sandee, Chad and Justin.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband Albert; her parents; her sister Ann Dunnaway; her daughter Jennifer Takagi; her daughter-in-law Nadine; and her grandson Joe Budnick.

Janet was a devoted and faithful servant of God throughout her life. She most recently served as organist at St. Peter Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Illinois, before returning to California in 2024, where she joyfully reconnected with Trinity Lutheran Church in Temecula. Music was her lifelong ministry, and she shared her gifts generously, serving as organist in every congregation she joined. Her service extended beyond the organ bench; she contributed as choir director, choir member, children’s chapel, LWML member, participant in Bibles for the Blind and a dedicated member in numerous congregational committees. Her steadfast dedication to the life of the church was a defining hallmark of her Christian witness.

Janet cherished time spent with family and friends. The joy of being a grandmother was magnified with the arrival of her great-grandchildren. She delighted in sharing their accomplishments, as any loving grandmother would. She found great joy in cooking and baking for gatherings of any size. She lovingly curated her collection of angels and music boxes. She also had a remarkable knack for winning a game of dice, a talent that brought joy and laughter to many evenings spent with family and friends. She could often be found playing cards many nights a week or traveling on road trips and cruises. She enjoyed Tuesday coffee with the ladies, contributing her time to Prairie Days and was a proud

member of the St. Peter American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Her hospitality, warmth and unmistakable laughter touched everyone blessed to know her.

Illinois Service

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 13, at 11:00a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, St. Peter, Illinois. A reception will follow in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers, the family graciously welcomes donations to St. Peter Lutheran Church, St. Peter, Illinois.

Pall Bearers: Ryan Jordon, Quinn McDaneld, Adrian Mendonca, Jeremy Quiroz, Seth Limon, Jonathan Ortega

In lieu of flowers, the family graciously welcomes donations to Trinity Lutheran Church, 30470 Pauba Rd., Temecula, CA 92592.