Gloria Mendonca was born at home in Hughson, CA on Nov. 19, 1928 to Joe and Mary Morris.  She graduated from Hilmar High School in 1947.  She worked as a bank teller in Turlock until she met and married a handsome young man from Newman, Jim Mendonca.  On January 18, 1948 they married and lived in Newman where they started their family.  On January 28, 1949 daughter Josie was born, then 18 months later daughter Gerry was born.  Gloria was a busy stay-at-home mom and in December 1956 daughter Candy was born.  She raised her family in Turlock on the Mendonca Family Dairy farm.

After the girls were raised Gloria worked at Liberty Market, Penguin Ice Cream and Divine Gardens Bowl.  She truly enjoyed bowling and loved the people she met there.

In December 1992 the love of her life passed  away and she would be on her own for the next 24 years.

She was very active in the Turlock Women’s Bowling Association and the Hilmar YLI, St. Patrick’s #223.  The people in these two clubs were her extended family.  She was past president of both organizations.  Twenty years ago she brought her love of the two clubs together by starting an annual YLI Bowling Tournament.

The last couple of years she was unable to live in her home because of health problems.  Many thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Turlock Residential, and the last 10 months at Paramount Court.  We would also like to thank the wonderful caregivers of Hospice.

Thank you to all her special friends and family for visiting and sending cards to her.  Gloria passed away January 8, 2017 at Paramount Court surrounded by the love of her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, daughter Geraldine, her father and mother, and sister Ruth Boyer.  She leaves her daughter Josie (Vern) Silva, daughter Candy (Chuck) Merick, and sister Bernice (John) George, four grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

Visitation will begin on Monday, January 16, 2017 at Allen Mortuary at 11:00am followed by a rosary at 11:30am.  A Mass will follow at 1pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Turlock.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Northern California & Nevada, 2290 North First St., Ste. 101, San Jose, CA  95131, or Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA, 95356.