Esther’s life journey began on April 10,1939, in Chihuahua, Mexico to her parents Luis and Carmen Hernandez. She was the fourth of five children. Esther relocated to Phoenix in the early 1950’s. On December 20, 1953, Esther married the love of her life, José Carmelo Mendoza and through their unity they had 10 children. She was a supportive mother and wife. Esther embraced her responsibility to sustain her family’s quality of life. She had a career across several domains. In 1971, Esther accepted a position with the Roosevelt School District and retired in 1996 after 25 years of service.
There are so many things we enjoyed about Esther. She had a radiant spirit and smile. Esther was affectionate with her family, demurred, and kind with others. She carried the love of Christ in her heart and accepted the Lord as her personal savior. Esther’s favorite activities were attending church and reading the Bible. She enacted pivotal roles in her family’s lives. Attending family functions, social, gatherings, and important life events. Esther’s most endearing time was spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, in sharing her cultural knowledge and traditional values.
On January 15, 2023, Esther peacefully transitioned from earth to eternal life. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years Jose Mendoza; two sons, Arturo Mendoza and Steve Mendoza; two brothers, Alberto Hernandez and Victor Hernandez; and two grandchildren Jessica Mendoza and Eddie Martinez.
Esther leaves four sons and three daughters to cherish her memory: Jose Mendoza and his wife Lorraine, Gilbert Mendoza and his wife Joanne, Paul Mendoza and his wife Grace, Ernesto Mendoza, Olga Gomez and her husband Randolph, Hilda Mendoza, and Monica Campbell and her husband Roy, 35 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.
We conclude this obituary embracing your love, smile, strength and wisdom. Thank you for sharing your life with your family. We love you; however, God loves you more.
TO MY LOVED ONES
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
You musn’t tie yourself to me with tears.
Just be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess,
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it’s time I traveled alone.
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on,
So if you need me, call, and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All of my love around you, soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile, and say
“Welcome Home.”
