Lavina A. Mendoza, 65, passed away peacefully on November 9th, 2020 in Mesa, AZ. She was born to Clement Santos Sr. And Viola Mae Johnson in Sacaton, AZ on November 6th, 1955 on the Gila River Indian Reservation.
She was one of a kind; a truly genuine woman who loved and cherished her children, especially her grandchildren. She was a beloved mother, sister, wife, friend, mentor and more. Lavina enjoyed taking road trips with her youngest children, playing with her grandchildren, listening to music on her CD/cassette player and watching tv shows like Chicago Med, Fire and PD, as well as watching tv mass on sundays.
She is preceded in death by her parents Clement and Viola Santos, her brothers Calvin, Clement Jr. and her sisters Francis, Glenda and Jonella.
She is survived by her husband, Ernest Mendoza Sr., her children; Maria F. Antone, Ernesto Mendoza Jr., Aaron Gene Mendoza, Angelica Mae Mendoza and Andrew Thomas Mendoza. Her grandchildren are as follows: Ramona & Maria Antone, Ernesto Mendoza III, Jada A. Notah-Mendoza, Lareyna Amelia Mendoza and Mateo Gene Mendoza and her great-grandchildren.
Her funeral mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November, 18th, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 230 W. Galveston St. Chandler, AZ 85225. The family visitation will commence at Gordon Santos’ residence in District 5 at Casa Blanca, AZ. Burial of the cremains will be at a later date at Sweetwater Cemetery in Casa Blanca, AZ. Lavina was indeed irreplaceable, a joy to be around and will be sorely missed by all who were blessed with her presence.
I’m so sorry to hear of Lavina’s passing. I can only imagine what your family is going through. She was such a kind person and she left us too early. I remember her making Angie blush when she wanted to get a picture of us together before Junior Prom. It makes me smile thinking back on it. I hope she finds peace is the next life and can look after us all.
Deepest sympathies,
Andrew Morden