Imelda Mendoza
Imelda Mendoza, 64, resident of Dickinson, Texas passed from this life, Saturday morning October 26, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Imelda was born in Galveston, Texas, October 13, 1960, to loving parents Raul Rios and Josefina Hernandez.
She was raised in Brownsville, Texas and returned to Galveston at age 15. She began working at UTMB at 22 and went on to work there for 41 years.
Imelda met and married the love of her life, Rafael Mendoza, Jr and from this union was blessed with four children. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved God, a beautiful sunrise, gardening, McDonald’s coffee, Waffle House at 2am, a moment of zen, rooting against any team her husband wanted to win, a good sale, decorating for the holidays, baking, Hallmark movies, The Golden Girls, and her beloved pets, especially her cat Coco.
Imelda was preceded in death by her parents.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, husband of 41 years, Rafael Mendoza Jr; daughters, AnaLilia Ortega and husband Derek, Cristina Mendoza; sons, Rafael Mendoza III and wife Katherine, Carlos Ancira and husband Ric; grandchildren, Anthony Garza, Ashley Garza, Aaron Garza, Alexi Garza, Matthew Mendoza, Benjamin Ancira, Lucas Ancira, Jacob Ortega, and Laurynn Ortega; three great grandchildren, Sebastian Chavana, Osiris Garza, and Gabriella “Lulu” Wells; as well as numerous extended family and friends.
In her honor a visitation will be held Friday, November 1, 2024 from 5:00-7:00pm with a funeral service at 7:00pm at the Crowder Funeral Home Chapel, Dickinson, Texas. A graveside service will follow on Saturday November 2, 2024 at 10am at Galveston Memorial Park Cemetery, Hitchcock, Texas.
Pallbearers are: Rafael Mendoza III, Anthony Garza, Aaron Garza, Courtney Wells, Matthew Mendoza, and Benjamin Ancira. Alternates being: Derek Ortega and Nickolas Gallo
Mother Imelda,
Having a mother-in-law like you was a joy. You were the most thoughtful, caring and loving person I have met.
Always so willing to give us a hand, able to comfort and be there for us anytime.
Very few mother-in-laws would have done all you did and that’s something I will be forever grateful for. Words can’t describe what it meant having a mother-in-law as special as you. You will be so missed. We love you Nani.
Ric
Imelda,
It was a pleasure working all these years with you. You were a joy to correspond with regularly and will be greatly missed not just for your contributions to the department but your kindness, overall demeanor and appreciation for life.
Tia Mel,
You were such an amazing person. I always felt welcome in your family since the very first time I met you. My daughters and I loved you very much and holidays just won’t be the same without you. Your smile lit up the room and you always were so warm and kind. You made everyone around you feel loved. I will be forever grateful that I got to know you in this lifetime. You will be greatly missed and will remain in our hearts always. We love you Tia.
So sorry for your loss. She was a very sweet lady.
My prayers of comfort and strength go out to all of her friends, family and loved ones. Imelda was a gem to work with, always so helpful and kind. She will be missed by many here at UTMB. Prayers to all!
Imelda,
It was a real pleasure to interact with you over all these years at UTMB. You were an extremely diligent, professional, and a courteous person, who made the research operation smooth and seamless for all of us. Your kindness, willingness to help, and positive attitude brought joy and happiness to your colleagues and co-workers. You will be thoroughly missed and will forever remain in our memories.
Imelda was such a light, and it’s hard to comprehend that they are gone. Our heart is with you during this unexpected time of loss.
Praying for strength and healing at this time.
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Mel was truly an amazing person, so kind and so funny. She will be greatly missed.
Imelda was a great and sweet kindhearted person to work with at utmb M&I , from the short time I have known her she has been a great person, her sweet generosity words can’t express. Thank you Imelda for helping me through your professionalism in Ordering supplies for me . I truly appreciated you and miss you dearly.
Alberta Narcisse
I will truly miss you Tia. You have always been there for me. I love you so much.
Imelda and I go back to the 1980’s and she has always been the same person – kind, caring, compassionate and thoughtful. She always had a smile to share, a helping hand to lend or just a short few minutes to catch up with Life ! Imelda you will be missed but it was a pleasure to work many years with you. RIP, Prayers for Peace and Comfort to your Family and Friends.
Imelda,
Thank you for welcoming me when I transferred to the department. You were my mentor and friend. I am going to miss you immensely. You were so kind and helpful. It was such a pleasure the few times that we met in person (since we work remotely), but our conversations about work and home I will miss. Prayers for your family and friends.
My deepest condolences 💐. Praying for peace and comfort to all of her loved ones during this time. She will truly be missed.
Mel you were there when I most needed help I will always love u n thank you for being my cousin/sister always be in my heart. Maria Menjivar and Family . Michael Sabrina Viviana Aaron N Jon Jon forever will miss u
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Imelda. May you find comfort in the cherished moments you shared together, and her memory bring you peace.
To my dear sissy
Tia Lala and I miss you already. Our memories of laughter when we went shopping from early morning until late in the evening will always be cherished. My aunt would fall asleep laughing.
I remember when you were little and had a wet wet CLOTH diaper .. you would come and sit on my head to wake me up. I knew then you were going to be a little pistol. Your sense of humor, playing harmless tricks on people ( poor mom, grandma, Lety, Sema, and your dad). You once interviewed grandma when she lost a baby chick). You took on the role of detective and poor grandma answered all your questions. Your mischievous deeds continued, no one was safe, even co-workers.
You helped me through a tough time when mom and Lety passed away. I will miss you sissy.
Tia Mel,
You were a gentle and fierce soul. I love that we bonded over estate sales and hunting for treasures. I know that you were welcomed in paradise with purity, love, and abundance and have found the ultimate treasure of eternal freedom. Thank you for being an angel and a source of light to Uncle Ralph, your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and all those you leave behind on earth until you meet again.
Imelda,
It broke my heart when I heard of your passing. You were the bright light at the School of Nursing for so many years! You were always so patient and kind-hearted and always had a smile on your face. After your retirement, I had the good fortune of seeing you at some of Billie’s Estate Sales – happy and always glad to see old friends! You will be sorely missed! See you on the other side.
Bobbie
I am always going to understand how a person feels.
I love you. I am Tania’s daughter.
My sweet friend Imelda! I am just learning of your passing and am so heartbroken. You had one of the kindest souls. Since I left the SON you and I didn’t see each other much, but no matter what I had going on, you were always so supportive. My heart and prayers go out to your family and loved ones. May you rest in heavenly peace. Definitely gone to soon.