Maria “Elvira” Angelina Mendez Obituary (1939 - 2021)

With profound sadness, we share news of the loss of our beloved mother. Maria “Elvira” Angelina Mendez passed away on July 21, 2021, at Spring Valley Hospital in Las Vegas Nevada, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was 82 years old. It would be wrong to say that Elvira lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always so full of determination. When anyone else would have broken, Elvira stayed positive and strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly is. There was no quitting in Elvira. Just because she is no longer here now, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight. She gave “battle” a whole new meaning. Elvira is survived by her husband Rafael Mendez and her sons Patrick Sr. and Adam Baldonado. Cherished grandmother of Krystal, Bradley, and Aleah (Adam’s children). Loving grandmother to Angel, Manual, Chris, and Aiyanna (children of Patrick Sr). Great grandmother of Maggie (Angel), Serenity, and Trinity (Patrick Jr). And remembered by her many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her mother Eutilia Viarreal, brother Bobby Viarreal, and grandson Patrick Baldonado Jr. Elvira was born on January 6, 1939, in Alcalde New Mexico to her mother Eutilia, Siblings: Julia Martinez, Bobby Virreal, Teresa Vigil and Susie Rascon. Elvira graduated from Espanola High School in 1958, accepted a position at TG&Y where she went on to become a Retail Trades Supervisor and eventually retired from TG&Y after more the 20 years. She then moved on to be closer to her grandchildren in Las Vegas Nevada, accepted a position at the Circus Circus Casino, where she ended up working for another 20 years until she again retired. She was a very dedicated, hard-working, caring individual who took care of everyone else before herself. She was loved by many of her friends and coworkers alike. Most of all, she was deeply loved by all her family members. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. The family of Elvira invite you to join them for a Memorial Service and Visitation at La Paloma Funeral Home on Saturday, July 30 at 1pm. All are welcome to attend. The family extends their sincere gratitude for your presence and well wishes. Her ashes will be laid to rest at a future date next to her mother in Alcalde New Mexico as she requested. Flowers or donations can be sent to La Paloma Funeral Home at 5450 Stephanie St., Las Vegas, NV 89122.