Maria Lydia Mendoza

Maria Lydia Mendoza, who was affectionately called Aunt Lila by her family, entered into eternal rest on September 27, 2021. She was born November 25, 1921 in Calaveras, Texas on the Mendoza family ranch. She is preceded in death by her parents, Florentino and Margarita Mendoza, siblings Lucy Gonzales (Gilberto), and Florentino Mendoza Jr. (Guadalupe); Nephews Florentino Mendoza III (Eva) and William E. Mendoza.

She is survived by nephews and nieces; Gilberto Gonzales Jr. (Ofilia), Margarita Gonzales, Katarina Garcia, Gloria Ramirez (Louie+), Mike Mendoza (Lourdes) and Patrick Mendoza (Cooky).

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southwest Texas Teachers College now known as Texas State University, and a master’s degree in education from the University of Houston.

She began her teaching career as an elementary teacher in Batesville, Texas in 1944 and taught in several school districts including Round Top, TX, Carmine, TX, Robstown, TX and Mathis, TX. She retired as an English professor at Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, Texas after 50 years of teaching. She was an avid reader and had a great passion for genealogy. Her love for continuous learning is reflected by her philanthropic work donating to numerous scholarships to Baylor University, the University of Michigan, and the Orange Grove Independent School District.

She was pillar of her community and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She will be remembered for her devoted love of family, her generosity, and her service to the community. She will be dearly missed.

One of her favorite authors is Ernest Hemingway and this quote by Hemingway fits her life. “It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters, in the end. Ernest Hemingway

Visitation will begin on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 10:00 AM, with a Holy Rosary recited at 10:30 AM at St, John of the Cross Catholic church in orange Grove, TX and a mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. John the Cross Cemetery.

Pallbearers for the services will be: Florentino Mendoza IV, Florentino Mendoza V, Anthony Mendoza, Patrick Mendoza Jr., Caesar Mendoza and Gilbert Gonzales III.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Robert Trevino and Rosy Lucio, for the special care and attention they gave to our Aunt Lila.