Audelia Mendoza

April 27, 1941 - February 19, 2022

Audelia “Lela” Mendoza, our beloved mother, sister and grandmother, entered eternal peace on February 19, 2022. She was 80 years old. She is survived by her eight adoring children, Petra (Will) Granado, Patricia (Rey) Vela, Marcelo (Hilda) Mendoza Jr., Sylvia (Antonio) Benitez Jr., Javier (Norma) Mendoza, Ricardo (Graciela) Mendoza, Marie (Carlos) Meza and Carlos (Perla) Mendoza, six siblings, Rosa, Maria, Lupe, Juan, Abel and Dora, 32 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Marcelo Mendoza, her parents, Maria and Abelino Rios, her siblings, Cruz Fonseca, Manuel Rios and Jose Rios, and her grandsons, Javier Mendoza Jr. and Tristan Mendoza. Lela Mendoza was born on April 27th 1941 in Rio Grande City, Texas. She met the man of her life at 17 as a migrant farm-worker when her cap flew off her head and he so chivalrously retrieved it for her. It was love at first sight. They married soon after meeting, on August 12, 1958, and welcomed their firstborn the following year. Lela was a dutiful wife and mother and went on to raise eight children with all of her love, strength and values. It is because of her that they are the great people they are today. She was the quintessential matriarch, always loving, guiding and caring for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also a dedicated sister and aunt. Lela was lovingly referred to as “La Jefa” by those closest to her and even on occasion wore a bright red cap emblazoned with the moniker as she went about her daily tasks of feeding and caring for her many animals and tending to her ever-flourishing garden. She took great pride in the homestead she headed for half a century and graciously opened her home to many of her family members over the years. At 80 years old, Lela was as sharp-minded and independent as ever. She never forgot a birthday, whether it was her children, grandchildren, siblings and even the many puppies and chicks born on her ranch. She prayed over every new birth in her family and always made sure her children and grandchildren were well. Audelia “Lela” Mendoza, our beautiful Mom, Mami, Amá, Wela, Hermana and Tía, was simply the best and will be deeply missed by those who were lucky enough to love and be loved by her.