Jovita Mendoza ,82, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 19, 2021 in Alamogordo, New Mexico. She was born on November 5, 1938 in Chamberino, New Mexico to Manuel and Salome Orrantia.
During her lifetime, mom was a mother to her three children, a loving grandmother to her many grandchildren and a loving wife to her husband. Mom took pride in everything she did. When us boys were old enough to take care of ourselves, she began to work outside of the home. Her many employers were Kmart, JCPenney’s, Thrifty, Monolithic Memories, and Safeway. During her many years of working, she and dad always made sure we had food, clothing and shelter. For that, we will always be grateful and thankful. Mom and Dad got married on April 11, 1955 in Texas, they were married for a total of 65 years. After Dad finished his duty with the Marines, he and mom moved to San Diego to start a new life in a new state where they lived until approx1962 when we moved to Northern California to be closer to dad’s mom, our grandmother Florencia. From there, we lived in the East Bay until the late 80’s. We remember the many drives from California to visit relatives in Texas, usually going by car. Mom and dad would stop to get gas, mom would make sandwiches and have soda etc. for the long drive. Fun memories of the drive and seeing “The Thing “ signs mile after mile, (signs of which are still up to this day). Every time I saw them on visits to my parents, it made me smile, even though we never stopped. After dad and mom retired from work, they returned back to Texas and New Mexico. Mom loved her game shows and going to the casino, while there she would enjoy a margarita (mango preferred). Mom will be remembered by me and her two other son’s, Phillip and Edward, and dad for so many things. The things that we will remember most is her strong willpower, her can do attitude, her perseverance, and the love she had for her family. We were truly lucky to have been born to my mom and dad, and thankful that they are the only parents we ever had. A testament to LOVE.
Survivors include her husband, Gilberto; her three children, Gilberto Jr. of Marana AZ, Phillip of Stockton CA and Edwardo of Tularosa NM. Mom had three grandchildren, Lisa of Stockton Ca, Phillip Jr. of Stockton Ca and Anita of Suisun City CA; numerous great grandchildren, Phillip 19, Joseph 15, Mario 13, Jennifer 14, Asa 11, Otto 7, Elvis 3, all of whom reside in CA. Mom has one last remaining sibling, Tio Felix of Canutillo TX. Mom also had numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews in New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. She also leaves behind Maria, daughter in law; Chelsea, granddaughter in law; Karen, former daughter in law; and Nicole, former daughter in law.
She was preceded in death by her father, Manuel; her mother, Salome; brothers, Manuel, Ismael and Daniel; sisters, Socorro and Maria.
I would like to give a big THANK YOU, to cousin Ivette and little brother Eddie for really stepping up to the plate and helping Dad during this very emotional time.
No services will be held per mom’s wishes. Just think a good thought and smile. At a later date, mom will be scattered in San Francisco, a place of many happy memories for our family.
Should friends desire, contributions may be made to any local charity of your choice. This is a time of need in our country.
The Mendoza family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo funeral home.
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