Maria R. Mendoza

Maria Rios Mendoza, 83 years old of Chicago, IL passed away on May 21, 2023. Maria was born on March 2, 1940 to Santo Rios and Aurelia Soto in Anasco, Puerto Rico. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 23 in 1963 to join her then husband Gilberto Mendoza Valentin who had immigrated prior. Shortly after arriving in Chicago, they welcomed their first child and Four more children thereafter. Maria was a stay-at-home mom, who was in charge of the household. Although Maria only had a 3rd grade education, she was very good at managing finances, and with the hard work of her husband they were able to purchase their first home. Maria had an eye for real estate and invested in buying and selling homes. Maria made all of us proud with her no-nonsense approach, focus and determination. Maria was a spunky, funny person described as a "little firecracker." She loved music, dancing flowers and gardening. She will be truly missed by all who love her.
Loving mother of Luz DeJesus, Mercedes Mendoza, Gilberto Mendoza Jr., Ricardo Mendoza, and Egardo Mendoza. Former
husband, Gilberto Mendoza Valentín. Loving grandmother of Alexander Hernandez, Armani DeJesus, and Ariani DeJesus. Loving sister of Nicomedes Rios, Luis Rios, Ana Rios, Aurelia Rios, Rosa Rios, and Juan Rios.