Gloria Alice Mendoza

Gloria Alice (Sanchez) Mendoza was born September 22, 1933, at John Sealy Hospital and passed away September 1, 2021, at Jennie Sealy Hospital, UTMB, Galveston, Texas. Her father Philip Sanchez (23) was from San Antonio and mother Alice Crawford (22) from Fort Scott, Kansas. Sadly, Gloria’s mother Alice passed away when Gloria was only 14 years old. The challenge of being without her mother, as a vulnerable teenager, was a difficult time for her. It was at that time, Gloria sought peace in her Catholic Faith and support in friendship from her childhood friends, Lorraine Johnson and Anna Marie Castro.

Gloria attended Lovenberg Jr. High School. During this time she met the “love of her life,” Joe Refugio Mendoza and also attended Texas City High School. In her Jr. year she returned to Galveston and the following year graduated from Ball High School. From her late teens and beyond, Gloria was an avid dancer, attending big band events at the Balinese Room and The City Auditorium, with her sweetheart Joe and close friends. Gloria also enjoyed walking and riding along the Galveston Seawall; watching surfers, ships, changing waves and the constant variety of Galveston beach goers.

Gloria and Joe were married on November 21, 1951 at St. Mary’s Church in Texas City, Texas. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend John Lane. Gloria & Joe shared a lifetime together. They were long-time members of Sacred Heart Parish, contributing to the Galveston-Houston Diocese for decades. She and Joe attended Sacred Heart Catholic Parish as contributing members and volunteers for numerous church events. Gloria also was a dedicated member of a Sacred Heart Bible Study Group. Even in her later years, Gloria focused on being a faithful and helpful person.

Gloria and Joe did not have children of their own. However, they were blessed by the presence of numerous nieces and nephews who surrounded them at family events, holidays and in-between. Being hard working individuals, Gloria and Joe provided life lessons for them all and always had many family history stories to share. Gloria would keep records of family Birthdays and Anniversaries. Thank you’s and donations were shared whenever possible by lil’$ gifts. Family and friends were most important to her.

Gloria always kept current by reading the local and national newspapers. She also took her civic responsibilities seriously. She and Joe were registered voters and always participated in local and federal elections and volunteered at their local precinct.

During her career life, Gloria worked for American Indemnity, (secretary) American Printing (PBX operator), State Tax Assessor (Acct. Representative) and later in life, managed an apartment complex with her husband Joe.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband of 50+ years, Joe R. Mendoza, as well as: Carmen Vielmas, Victor & Julia Mendoza, Jesse & Irma Mendoza, Jesse Ramirez, Dolores & Bob Woodward, Joseph Perez, Marc Woodward, and Lisa Mendoza, residents of California and Miguel (Mike) Calvillo and Francisco (Frank) Vielmas of San Antonio, Tx.

Gloria is survived by her Brothers & Sister-In-Laws: Lucy Ramirez, Tony & Vera Mendoza, Dolores (Lola) Mendoza, of Galveston, and Ralph & Rachel Mendoza of Fountain Valley, CA. California Nephews & Nieces: Gabriel Perez, Richard Perez, Michael Perez, Carmen Anne Rudshagen, Sandra Galloway, Theresa Pryor, Damian Mendoza, David Mendoza, Irene Klepp, Roy Mendoza, Robert Mendoza, Gerard Mendoza, Yolanda Schultz, and Julie Oriol.

Texas Nephews, Nieces: Joseph Anthony Estrada (Guardian) & Hope Estrada, Cynthia & Eddy Maldonado, Robert Parra (godson) & Diane Grebe (deceased), Michael Estrada (deceased) & Susan Estrada, Ed & Yolanda Ramirez, Roger Ramirez, Sonya & Richard Garza, Natalie & Dennis Moya, Paul & Cindy Mendoza, John Mendoza, Frances Calvillo, Lucy & Neftali Ortiz, Victor Vielmas, Eduardo Vielmas, Rosie Sarthe & Richard Vielmas.

Texas Grand Nephews, Nieces: Jason & Miranda +Milla Maldonado; Tiffany (goddaughter) & Jeff + Sage Knox; Leslie & Jordan +Grayson Paramore; Angelica Garza, Ricky Garza, Amanda & Michael +Billy and Maddie Williams; Alyssa Estrada, Abby Estrada & Alex Stoeckel; Samantha & Ian Brown +Jordan and Hank; Alexandra Ramirez.

A Celebration of Gloria’s life will be held on October 1st, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, (1302 Broadway St.) Galveston, Texas. Visitation will be on the same day (prior to Mass) 10:30 to 11:30 am.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held from 11:30 to 12:30 pm. A luncheon/reception will be held at St. Patrick’s (35th & Broadway) following Mass.

Gloria’s wishes were that she be cremated. The interment of her urn will be held later this year, on Gloria’s & Joe’s Wedding Anniversary, Nov 21st. Her urn will be placed next to her beloved Joe, into their plot at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.