Micaela Potenciano Mendoza

MICAELA (MICA) POTENCIANO MENDOZA OCT. 12, 1919 - JAN. 5, 2008 Mica, 88, passed away on January 5, 2008 at her residence in Delhi surrounded by her loving family. Mica was born in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico on October 12, 1919 to Guadalupe and Arcadia Potenciano, she was the 1st born of 12 children. Mica came to Niland, CA in 1945 where she met Fructoso N. Mendoza. In 1946, they married in New Mexico because of the interracial laws. They traveled northward and started working in the San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties. Mica worked as a cook during the 50s in King Island, when the US allowed immigrant workers to come in from Mexico. She and her husband settled in Delhi in 1957. Mica worked for the canneries in Turlock, during the 60's she worked for Livingston Sweet Potato Growers. She did planting, harvesting and packing of sweet potatoes. She retired from work in 1978 when her husband became ill. Mica enjoyed writing poetry, gardening, cooking, listening to music, dancing and going to the casinos. But her greatest passion was hosting parties for her family and friends. Mica was a member of the Filipino Community of Livingston and Lina for Life Foundation. Mica is preceded in death by her husband Fructoso N. Mendoza, son Jose Eduardo Mendoza and daughter Rosalina (Lina) Machado. She is survived by her sons Bernardo Mendoza of Hughson, Tommy Mendoza (and wife Oralia) of Delhi; brothers Ernesto Potenciano of Mexicali, BC Mex, Jose (Kiro) Potenciano of Mexicali, BC Mex; sisters Matilde Arriaga of San Diego, Maria Victoria Gaxiola of Coachella; grandchildren Chelsea Gonzales, Rene Mendoza, Shawnesti Machado, Marilu Jasso, Anthony Machado, Oscar Reyna and 7 great-grand children. Honored friend Paula De La Cruz (Tia) of Delhi. Visitation will be held from Noon to 7:00pm, Friday, January 11, 2008 at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd. in Turlock. A vigil service will follow the visitation at 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00am, Saturday, January 12, 2008 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 2602 S. Walnut Rd. in Turlock. Burial will follow the mass at Turlock Memorial Park. www.modbee.com/obituaries