Margarita B Mendoza

Margarita was the third born of Antonio and Francisca Banuelos on March 13, 1938. She was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and was a devout Catholic. While working at Farah Manufacturing Company she met the love of her life, Cruz Mendoza. In 1959 she married Cruz and moved from El Paso, Texas to California to start their beloved life together. Margarita and Cruz landed in Los Angeles, California and then welcomed their first born daughter, Margarita aka "Margie". Two years later Margarita gave birth to the couples second daughter, Lilly.

In 1967 Margarita and Cruz moved from Los Angeles, California to their forever home in La Puente, California. The next year after settling into their new home they welcomed the birth of their only son, Cruz Jr.. Finally in 1970 Margarita gave birth to the couples last child, their daughter, Carol.

Margarita absolutely loved being a mother and raising her four children. During this time of raising her children she found time to begin working in the Bassett Unified School District, mostly as a Teacher's Aide. She continued to work at the School District for 33 years until her retirement in 2006.

Margarita was an excellent cook who only believed in making meals from scratch, the old fashioned way. Her home-cooked meals were legendary among family and friends. Margarita loved to dance and was poetry in motion with the man of her dreams, her husband Cruz. Margarita was an active member, with her husband, at the South El Monte Senior Center and were so loved that the members at the Senior Center Named her Senior Prom Queen of 2018.

Margarita is survived by all who knew her, but particularly Cruz Mendoza, husband, Margarita "Margie" Bilbrew, daughter, Lilly Ruiz, daughter, Cruz Mendoza Jr., son and Carol Mendoza, daughter, Kenneth Bilbrew, son-in-law, Don Ruiz, son-in-law, Brenda Mendoza, daughter-in-law. She is also survived by granddaughters Samantha, Sara, Carean, Michelle and Celine. Grandsons Raymond, Adam, Dean and Michael. Great Granddaughter Elena and Great Grandson Logan. Margarita is also survived by loving nieces and nephews in California, Colorado, New Mexico and most importantly Texas.

Margarita positively affected so many lives from El Paso, Texas to La Puente, California. She left an endearing mark on all family, friends and neighbors.

None of us will ever forget Margarita and her generosity of spirit and soul with morals and values.

Let us truly remember Margarita by doing as she would in our own lives.