Lupe M. Mendoza

With hearts full of sorrow but deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, known affectionately as “Mema” or “Grandma Lupe” on July 19, 2025, at the age of 79. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple. Burial will follow in Bellwood Memorial Park and Cemetery.

Born in Cameron, Texas on September 15, 1945, Lupe spent most of her life in Temple, Texas, where she built a legacy rooted in faith, family, and love. She was the heart of our family - wise, strong-minded, faithful, and never without a witty remark that made us laugh.

Lupe was a proud graduate of The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. She further specialized in her passion for teaching through endorsements in Bilingual Education from The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas at San Antonio. Her commitment to education and bilingual advocacy reflected her deep belief in the power of language, culture, and learning.

Lupe found joy in the simple and sacred, loving on her two dogs, Chico and Paco, and tending to her beloved plants. She was a gifted seamstress whose hands worked with both precision and love. Her faith in God was the guiding force that shaped every aspect of her life. As a devoted member of Goodwill Baptist Church, she was actively engaged and played a meaningful role within her church community. Her strong faith not only grounded her but also served as the foundation for her family, providing them with hope, strength, and salvation. But most of all, she loved being surrounded by her family. Her home was the heart of every holiday, where we laughed until we cried, passed around home cooked meals, especially her amazing turkey dressing and oatmeal raisin cookies, building memories that will carry us through the years ahead. Thanksgiving and Christmas at her house were more than traditions, they were gatherings of generations bound by her love.

She leaves behind her loving children, Ronnie and Charlotte Mendoza of Temple, Greg and Pauline Mendoza of Rogers, Edgar Mendoza of Austin, and Valerie and James Garza of Temple.

Lupe is also survived by her beloved siblings, Frances Thomas of Harker Heights, Angelina and Rafael Torres of Laredo, Candelario and Sherry Moreno of Austin, Joseph Moreno of Houston, Aniceto and Margaret Moreno of Rogers, and Connie and Pat Estorga of Sacramento.

Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Jake and Laurie Lingo of Salado, Randi and John Wheeless of Morgan’s Point, Robin and Ramon Rodriguez of Morgan’s Point, Joell and Paula Mendoza of Austin, Stephen and Jessica Hines of New Jersey, Jessica and Eric Rodriguez of San Marcos, Victoria and Billy Crawford of San Antonio, Gregory and Brandi Mendoza of College Station, Amanda Garza of Moody, Jeremy Garza of Temple, and Alyssa Garza of Houston; and through her great grandchildren, who brought her so much joy, Alex Vargas, Ella Wheeless, Zavian Rodriguez, Zamia Rodriguez, Zara Rodriguez, Lyla Lingo, Riggins Lingo, Aldo Crawford, Aiden Hines, Wyatt Hines, Remi Hines, Raylen Hines, Sophia Rodriguez, and Abigail Rodriguez.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Pascual and Guadalupe Moreno; brothers, Pascual Moreno, Rudolph Moreno, and Luis Ramirez; and sister, Elena Maria Gonzales.

A time of visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Friday, July 25, 2025, at the funeral home.

Though our hearts ache, we celebrate a woman who was truly the center of our world. Lupe Mendoza gave us strength, laughter, and endless love. Her presence will forever be felt in every gathering, every story, and every warm memory we carry forward.

Rest peacefully, Mom, “Grandma Lupe”, “Mema.” We’ll miss you always.