Mrs. Virginia Padua Mendiola
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Mrs. Virginia Padua Mendiola

  • January 17, 1922 - January 3, 2012
  • Oxnard, California
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Thank you for your support during this difficult time. Please enhance this tribute to Nanay by adding your memories and photos.

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Memories & Candles

“Friday 3, 2012 Dear Lola, Your influence on my life since childhood to adulthood has made me such a better, productive and complete person. ...Read More » ”
1 of 6 | Posted by: Jay-ar Mendiola - Vallejo, CA

“Eternal rest grant unto nanay Virginia and let perpetaul light shine upon her, may she rest in peace. Amen ”
2 of 6 | Posted by: Luz sagnip chua - Family friend

“Dear Nanay, I thank you so much for all the love, care, patience, and help you gave me. Do not worry about me. You had shown me so much courage and...Read More » ”
3 of 6 | Posted by: Evelyn Beng Mendiola - Oxnard, CA

“Thanks for everything, Lola! ”
4 of 6 | Posted by: Rose dela Rosa - Pasig

“Thank you for being part of our extended family, and for caring for MJ when he was a baby. We will forever be grateful for the care you gave to him....Read More » ”
5 of 6 | Posted by: Josie A. - Oxnard, CA

“After I got serious dating her daughter Hermie, I met Nanay. This was in late 1998-early 1999. The first time she came to my house, I expected her to...Read More » ”
6 of 6 | Posted by: Randy Butler - Ventura, CA



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VIRGINIA P. MENDIOLA

Virginia P. Mendiola died peacefully at her home on January 3, 2012, two weeks short of her 90th birthday. Affectionately called "Nanay" by her family, she was the matriarch of a family of 9 children to whom she gave everything.
Virginia was born in La Union, Philippines on January 17, 1922. She married her husband, Alfredo, during World War II and she followed her son Godofredo to America in 1977. She was joined by Alfredo and most other members of her family, many of whom she sponsored.
Virginia was a quiet person with great determination. She was always busy doing something helpful or useful. She never met a garden that she didn't want to tend. Her extraordinary ability with plants is shared by her entire family along with her work ethic. Before and after Alfredo died in 1991, she worked several jobs, most notably as a caretaker for a woman much larger than herself who she assisted physically. She never complained. She shared all of her earnings with family members in need. She was proud of her independence. She did not like to waste anything.
In her later years, Virginia volunteered as a foster-grandparent with ARC and lived with her daughter Evelyn, who became her primary caretaker during the last two years. Virginia defied all the predictions of her doctors, nurses, and family members as she accepted the loving care given to her by Evelyn, Hermie, her caretakers, her hospice workers and volunteer, and caring family members. She became our great inspiration as she continued to stay with us and share this life. We treasure our memories of her.
Virginia is survived by her children: Marilyn dela Rosa, Wilfredo Mendiola, Virginia Mendiola, Adoracion Parungao, Godofredo Mendiola, Alfredo Mendiola Jr., Hermie Butler, and Evelyn Mendiola, and her sisters: Esther Pajarillo and Lourdes Palomares. She has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family greatly thanks Drs. Nancy Merrick and Cary Alberstone and Dr. Lanyard Dial, her loyal caretakers Aiza Tesoro and Carol Lyn Cavinta, nurse Julie Nishida, social worker Michele Clisby, super-volunteer Colleen Meagher, and Livingston Hospice. We had such a great team! We thank Ventura County In Home Support Services – Tiffany Milford and Chris Aguillar, and Mr. Frank Nava of St. Anthony's Church for their services. We greatly appreciate the prayers and support of our family and friends.
A visitation will be held at Santa Clara Mortuary on January 16 from 4-8pm with evening Vigil starting at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Santa Clara Mortuary on January 17 at 10am, followed by a graveside ceremony at the cemetery. Please join us for an informal, walk-in celebration of Virginia's life at the Royal Palms Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, 205 E. Driffill Blvd. Oxnard CA 93030 from 12:30 – 4pm also on January 17. Go through the gate and turn left.