With heavy hearts, we honor the life of Alicia (Alice) Mendoza, a cherished wife, devoted mother, and adoring grandmother whose unwavering love and infectious smile and laugh illuminated the lives of those around her. On Sunday, November 12, 2023, Alice passed away at 61 years old, surrounded by the embrace of her beloved family. Throughout the past 12 months, she courageously battled against the relentless grip of cancer with strength and unwavering determination. Even amidst her pain and weariness, Alice’s selflessness shone through as she, without a pause would ask about the well-being of those in her presence, a testament to her compassion and caring nature.
Bound by a love that began as kids themselves, Alice married Rafael (Ralph) Mendoza her high school sweetheart, sharing 44 beautiful years. In that time, they raised three children (Ralph Jr., Robert, and Amber) and welcomed ten grandchildren, who were the center of their universe. She was also the proud mother of her fur babies: Chanel, Baby, and Shorty. Through her husband’s eyes, she was a domestic goddess, tending to their needs with love beyond measure. To her children, she was the definition of a strong and courageous woman.
To know her was to love her. Beyond her immediate family, Alice cared dearly for her countless nieces and nephews. Many will forever remember her selflessness and nurturing spirit that stretched far beyond her immediate family. Throughout her life, Alice graciously served as a caregiver and a second mother to countless family and friends’ children. We find comfort in knowing she lived her life as only she would. In its simplest forms, she treasured time well-spent cooking, bowling, camping, and swimming with her family.
As the holidays rolled around, she found joy in decorating. She was the biggest cheerleader for her beloved Chicago sports teams (just not the Cubs). And no one will ever forget her energy that filled the room with pure joy at any gathering, as it was a guarantee she would grab you by the hand to dance.
Survived by her family and friends, we honor Alice’s memory in the way she would have wished—by cherishing life and time with loved ones. Her family members are numerous but include: Daughter of the late +Maria Prado and +Juan Montejano Husband of 44 years: Ralph Mendoza Mother of 3 and Partners: Ralph Jr. (Lorraine), Robert (Monique), and Amber (Israel). Grandmother to 10: Robert Jr., Nathan, Emilio, Alyssa, Anthony, Penelope, Rafael III, Sophia, Abigail and Valentino.
Siblings: Avalina Pedroza, Raymond Montejano, Eva Montejano, Mauricia Lopez, Angel Morales, Marylou Martinez, John Montejano and Rogelio Montejano.
In-laws: Henry and Veronica B. Mendoza, Henry Mendoza Jr., Anna Mendoza, and the late Martin Mendoza.
Extended family: James and Sandra Martines, Jason and Susan Martines, Nina and Cesar Alcacio, Amanda and Michael Cabanas, Trisha and Tony Amador, the late Tony Jr., Julio Morales, Arturo and Cynthia Martinez, Mary Esther Martinez, Raul Navarro, Jeremy and Julian Montejano and many, many more nieces and nephews while not mentioned dearly loved.
Visitation: Monday, November 20, 2023 at St. Procopius Church, 1200 West 18 th Street (Corner of 18 th Street & Allport Street) Chicago, Illinois 60608 from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Parking available in Church parking lot and soccer field on 16 th Street & Racine Avenue).
Funeral Service: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at St. Procopius Church family and friends will meet at St. Procopius Church, 1202 West 18 th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60608 at 10:00 a.m. for the Celebration of Life Service/Mass. Burial at Mount Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery, 4101 South Oak Park Avenue, Stickney, Illinois 60402.
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God saw Alicia was getting tired, and the cure was not to be, so He put His arms around her and whispered “Come with Me.” With tearful eyes we watched her suffer and saw her fade away. Although we loved her dearly, we could not make her stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
