I met Willie when I taught third grade at Hidden Valley Elem. I was barely out of college and the friendship I shared with Willie and Barbara Connor as we taught third grade in our pod meant the world to me. Each day she’d arrive at school holding Wendy’s hand.  I’ve often laughed over the years as I remember memories of conversations during lunch when three of us would eat in Willie’s room. 
  I  remember fondly when she brought me tamales, and I called her at home the first time to see if I was to eat the whole thing. Those years working with her have provided me with so many fond memories. Willie definitely had an impact on my life and anyone she met.  

One could not have any contact with Mrs. Mendoza and forget her. She owned eyes full of joy. I met her at Hidden Valley school, where I taught second grade.  She was full of fun and laughter. I wish her family peace, because she has found hers.

Years ago I worked with Willie Mendoza at what was then Hidden Valley Elementary in Aldine ISD. She taught and I was the school librarian.  I considered her to be an exceptionally good teacher and I know for a fact she made the very best tamales I ever ate. I also felt favored to receive a gift of her tamales having learned from her the labor involved.  I will always treasure our time together. My condolences to her family.

I worked with Willie at Hidden Valley Elementary for 20 years . She was the sweetest most wonderful woman and I loved her very much.I will miss my friend. 
Beverly Campbell 

My condolences the family. I’ve know Mrs Mendoza for many many years. Biggest heart and very kind. I helped her take care of her pets for many years.  I’m saddened to hear of her being called home. I’ll will miss our conversations and visits. Rest in paradise!! ❤️🙏🏼

I called my Aunt Willie daily with one purpose in mind, to make her laugh. She would give me a hard time about Trump, and I would give her a hard time about Joe Biden. My Aunt always spoke about how proud she was of her children, and how much she loved them. We would often compare which restaurant served the best milk share, followed by who makes the best hamburgers. Aunt Willie was a child of Jesus, and I know she is in heaven looking down on all of us. She lived a full, rich, and abundant life. The memory I will cherish most was our daily conversations about life, which was a precious daily gift. She will be missed and remembered. 

Mrs. Mendoza and her Husband have always been great neighbors to us.  She welcomed us to the neighborhood when we moved to Hidden Valley in 96'. We didn't share many memories with her even though we only lived a few houses away, but we deeply cared for one another. She always enjoyed talking to me and my family and loved it when i would bring her some Mexican sweet bread. She was there for me when my mother passed away and I really appreciated her support as it was one of the toughest times for me. I will truly miss our conversations and her company. We love you and miss you Forever.


I met Willy { as I know to call her)  we met at Assumption Catholic Church.  My two sons Monserato Jr. and Gregory Rivera were attending CCE classes with Willy's daughter Wendy.  We became very close friends it was more than friends, we became family. Our children grow up together and my son considered Wendy as a sister. We will truly miss you as we also miss your dear husband Alex. You both were very close to our hearts and know the you will always be in our prayer along with the rest of the family. Willy you had asked me to make you the cookies, the ones Alex like so much , that day Jesus called you home I was making they for you. Willy  was like sister and mother to me. We love you.        Monse, Dora, Monse Jr. and Gregory Rivera                                                                                                                                                      

Mrs. Mendoza, was a Child Of God. She and Mr Mendoza helped me out at time when my family was breaking apart. They treated me as their Son......Alway there for me, along with Kathy and Becky. Such a deep loss for her soul... May she forever Rest In Peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

TIME FOR A FINAL GOODBYE AUNT WILLIE YOU WERE THE BEST OF ALL AUNTS AND UNCLE ALEX WAS A GREAT MAN THANK YOU FOR VISITING WITH ME AT THE SHOP THEESE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS WE HAD SOME GOOD CHATS AND KINDA CAUGHT UP ON SOME MEMORIES WHICH WERE GOOD ONES THANKS TO CATHY FOR BRINGING YOU UP THERE CHAD AND THE GUYS SEND THEIR BEST ALONG WITH MYSELF AND BARBRA  R.I.P. AND SAY HI THE FAMILY AND UNCLE ALEX  I KNOW YOU ARE IN HEAVEN ALREADY

We were "neighbors" of Willie in that we lived a few block apart in Hidden Valley. We went together many times to volunteer at church and to teach in CCE.  Willie gave shelter one night  to my husband when HV had one of its frequent intersections flooding and he couldn't get home.  We never stepped into her home that we weren't suplied with food.  We had the pleasure of helping host her and Alex 60th anniversary. Willie was a strong, caring, funny, determined woman. She will be missed. Our comfort is in the knowledge that she rest in the presence of Christ with her Alex . Thank you Willie for sharing your life with us.


      Aunt Willie touched the lives of many in positive and meaningful ways throughout her life through her devotion and love of God, family, teaching, community, and Country.  She had a passion for teaching and spoke often with enthusiasm about her lessons for the children in elementary school and for the children at church. As a teacher myself, we shared a common bond of understanding. During our conversations over the years, Aunt Willie was witty, intelligent,cheerful, positive, funny and a great listener. 
     I can recall the many times Aunt Willie and Uncle Alex would take me, my two brothers, and sister to Hot Wells on Friday evenings to picnic and swim- outings we kids all looked forward to during the week!  We always enjoyed these special times together because Aunt Willie and Uncle Alex made it fun!  These are memories that I will cherish and hold dear in my heart.
     May the many fond memories over the years sustain family and friends during these difficult times. May all find comfort and peace in knowing that Aunt Willie has joined Uncle Alex and family who have preceded her in death.  She will be missed!

To the daughters of Wilhelmina Mendoza and their families:

We are so very sorry for your loss.  We send our deepest condolences.
Willie was a wonderful aunt and a beautiful person to know and be with.
She was loved very much and will be greatly missed.
May God bless you and bring you comfort.  You are in our prayers.

With sympathy,
Connie and David Shackelford

Mrs. Mendoza was my 3rd Grade teacher at Hidden Valley Elementary from 1984-1985.  Out of every teacher I had from pre-school through college, no one had the impact on me that Mrs. Mendoza did.  She challenged me, made me actually enjoy reading, and taught me valuable life and cultural lessons that I still carry with me to this day. When my son was about to start third grade a couple of years ago, I shared with him how excited I was for him because of how pivotal 3rd grade was for me and told him all about my favorite teacher, Mrs. Mendoza.  

Mina was our cousin on my dad's side. My father, Henry Macias, loved Mina with all his heart. I know he was there to welcome her home. We will miss Mina deeply. We loved her so very much and will remember all the good times we had when we would go to visit her.  I always loved going to her house when I was in town. She always had food prepared for us and we would also be welcomed by her fur babies. RIP Mina. Until we meet again. Please give my dad a big hug from us. Love you prima.

Mrs. Mendoza was my 3rd grade teacher at Hidden Valley Elementary back in 1985-86, she was tough but she cared and I will always remember her for that. My deepest condolences to the family on such a big loss, y’all are in my prayers.

What a wonderful person , she was so didicated and loving to her family. I know she was special to ours and I know my mom Nancy Smelker loved her . RIP and special blessings and prayers to you all

OBITUARY

Wilhelmina Diaz Mendoza

February 27, 1932 – June 26, 2020

American Heritage Funeral Home

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