Iris Mendonca, 81, of Turlock, CA passed away at Brandel Manor in Turlock on September 21, 2016. Iris was born to Willard and Gladys Grose in Wauneta, NE. Her family eventually settled in California where she attended Johnson Joint School and graduated from Turlock High School in 1953. After graduation, she attended MJC for a year.
Iris married Leonard Mendonca in 1955. Together, they raised their family on a dairy farm east of Turlock.
Iris was actively involved in the community. She was Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #88. She was also a member of Ave Regina #200 Young Ladies Institute. Iris was also very involved as a member of Sacred Heart Church in Turlock. She served numerous years as coordinator of CCD and was also scheduling assistant for the adoration chapel, which she faithfully occupied each Monday night to spend an hour or more in prayer.
Iris loved watching her children and grandchildren in the many events they participated. She attended countless sporting events and other activities.
Iris and Leonard enjoyed dancing and regularly attended, and helped teach dance classes at Turlock Adult School.
Loving mom and grandma is survived by her children, Lenny (Christine) Mendonca, Ray (Tami) Mendonca, Lucille Mendonca, and Rob (Sherrie) Mendonca. She also leaves behind grandchildren, Allie Mendonca, Rebecca Mendonca, Tim (Kala) Mendonca, Tom Mendonca, Rylee (Bryan) Welly, and Jackson Mendonca as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard and by her children, William, Elizabeth, Michael, Theresa, and Philip.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on Wed., Oct 5th at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thurs., Oct. 6th at Sacred Heart Church, 1301 Cooper Ave., Turlock. Interment will follow at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Santa Cruz Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 1777-A Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 under participant Lucille Mendonca, who walks in memory of our mom as well as her caregiver dad. Donations can be made online at http://act.alz.org/goto/ LucilleMendonca
