Catalina Lopez Mendoza passed away at her home January 7, 2009 surrounded by her family. Catalina was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Jose Mendoza and their son Bernardo Mendoza. She is survived by her children Natividad Ayala, Rosa Aguirre, Isabel Arroyo, Jorge Mendoza, Maria Mendoza, and Trini Mendoza; 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren all of Gilroy.
She was born in Rawlins, Wyoming on June 1, 1922 and moved to Janamuato, Michoacan, Mexico with her family at the age of seven. In search of a better life, Catalina returned to the United States and began a career as a field worker in the fields of Anaheim. After a few years in Southern California, she settled her family in Gilroy. Catalina was a devout member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Gilroy and also La Santisma Trinidad in Janamuato, Michoacan. She will be remembered as the matriarch of our family keeping us all together in Gilroy. Always having a smile on her face during both good and bad times. She will be deeply missed.
A visitation will begin 1pm Friday at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy. Vigil Services 7:00 P.M. Friday followed by a Funeral Mass 11:30 A.M. Saturday both at St. Mary Catholic Church, Gilroy.
