Margarita Mendoza's Obituary
Margarita De Mesa Mendoza was born on October 25,1930 in Alabang MuntinglupaRizal (now Metro Manila) Philippines. She finished high school in her home town and later worked with her Aunt who owned Manila Fashion Couture, all while pursuing a degree in Home Economics at Philippine Normal College in Manila.After graduating college, Margarita taught elementary school for few years until she married her childhood friend and neighbor, Bienvenido Bugayong Mendoza. They were married on November 7 ,1954 at Pinaglabanan Church in Manila. Her husband, Bienvenido worked at San Miguel Brewery, so they decided to settle close by in Valenzuela Bulacan. They were blessed with 4 boys (Marben, Bienvemar, Benmar, Bienvenido II) and 1 girl (Maria Ellen).To be able to help raise her family, Margarita’s passion became a business ,where she bought Merchandise in Zamboanga City (Southern Philippines) and sold them at her store in Valenzuela. She was also very active with the Lady of Fatima Church, and a member of the Catholic Women’s League. In the early 80s she and her husband Bienvenido immigrated to the US to join her daughter who lived in Fremont at the time.Margarita lived most of her life in the Bay Area with her daughter, Ellen in Hayward and her son Bien, in Bay Point. While living in California, she catered food to friends and relatives to help support her family in the Philippines. One day while shopping at Serramonte Mall , she ran into an old friend who convinced her to work as caregiver for a number of years until her husband passed away in 1993. Although Margarita decided to retire shortly thereafter, she continued to support her grandchildren in the Philippines by selling homemade scrub uniforms to close nurse friends and family. As a widow, she kept herself busy by cooking for her families, and also bedazzled her granddaughter, Mericien’s figure skating dresses. She is survived by one brother,one daughter,two sons,f ive inlaws,, sixteen grandchild.ren and twelve great Grand children.
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