Elia Rosario Mendoza

1937 - 2025

Elia Rosario Mendoza
August 26, 1937 - October 28, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Elia Rosario Mendoza on October 28, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Elia was born on August 26, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas.
She was retired and spent 28 years working for the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., where she was an activist and role model for the Hispanic community throughout the country and Puerto Rico. Her role as a diversity and government consultant well defines her experience relating to women, civil rights, childcare, education (youth, scholarships), economic development, health, and the elderly. During her tenure in Washington, she held positions at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Pentagon (Army and Air Force), Department of the Interior, GSA, and Department of Labor. She developed initiatives to recruit and promote higher education of Hispanics and women. Appointed by the Secretary of Labor (DOL) as coordinator for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence. After fourteen (14) years of working for DOL, she retired and moved to San Antonio, her hometown. Other volunteer positions held during her stay in Washington were: National Vice-President for the Northeast in LULAC, Maryland State LULAC Director, and President of LULAC Councils. She also organized thirteen LULAC councils in Maryland. She participated in other organizations such as the Washington, D.C., Council of Hispanic Employees (38 depts/agencies), IMAGE, MANA, FEW, and volunteered in the bilingual teachers program for the D.C. and Maryland school districts. Elia last held the position of National LULAC Vice-President for the Elderly.
She is survived by sons Walter, David, and John; grandchildren Breanna, Zane, Austin, Matthew, Chad, Esme, Caroline, and Dakota; brothers Tony and Charlie.
A visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, located at 515 North Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205, on November 16, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A rosary will take place at the same venue from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, located at 4603 Manitou Dr, San Antonio, TX 78228, on November 17, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A graveside service will follow at San Fernando Cemetery II, located at 746 Castroville Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.