Patricia J Mendez

Patricia (Pat) Mendez passed away on February 21, 2025, after an illness, surrounded by her loving family at Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, FL.

Born in Mount Vernon, OH, she was the ninth of ten children to Edgil and Ruth Ryan. She graduated from Fredericktown High School in 1959 and married Luis Mendez in June 1960 in El Paso, TX. Together, they built a loving home and raised four children in Mansfield and Ontario, OH. Pat was deeply involved in her children’s lives, serving as a school librarian and 4-H leader while cheering them on at swim meets, band concerts, and other activities. She was also a devoted supporter of her husband’s musical career, as he played for the community and various events. She was a seamstress and a librarian/media center aide with the Mansfield (Ohio) City School System.

In 1989, Pat and Luis moved to Winter Haven, FL, to be closer to her sister Maxine. They embraced the Florida lifestyle, and she worked at Sears in Lakeland, where she formed many dear friendships and played a role in helping the store achieve a #1 national ranking on Black Friday. During this time, they also shared many cherished memories with their daughter Amy and grandson Joshua, often enjoying Disney shows and events together.

In 2010, Pat relocated to Pearland, TX, to be near her children Beth, Lisa, Steve and grandsons Dylan and Kevin. She treasured her grandson’s school years, attending karate, baseball games, and marching band performances. While in Texas, she and Beth started “Ryans Holiday Décor” and worked together decorating office buildings and atriums in Downtown Houston, and managed a seasonal holiday store, combining Pat’s love for floral arrangements and festive décor.

As caregivers to both parents, Beth and her siblings made the decision in 2018 to move Pat and Luis to Virginia, where they lived with Tom and Lori, while caring for Luis in his final years. During this time, she was blessed to see several grandchildren marry and to welcome a growing number of great-grandchildren. 

After Luis passed in 2019, Pat moved to Punta Gorda, FL, in 2020 to be near Amy, embracing life in an active senior community.

These past four years were filled with friendships and social activities, including bingo, crafts, chair yoga, and potluck dinners, where her dishes became beloved among her neighbors. She formed close bonds with a group of ladies, the “Sassy Seniors” who regularly met for lunch and adventures. Her best friends Judy, Marge, Michelle and Dot were her lifeline. Throughout her life, Pat had a deep love for dogs, especially Shelties, and her final beloved Sheltie Chrystal will now be cared for by Beth in Texas.

Pat is lovingly remembered by:

Her four children:

• Tom (Lori) Mendez of Harrisonburg, VA

• Lisa (Steve) Charrin of Pearland, TX

• Amy Mendez of Punta Gorda, FL

• Beth Mendez of Houston, TX

Her cherished grandchildren:

• Mike (Jackie) Mendez of Harrisonburg, VA, and their sons Urban, Arlo, and Everett

• Maria (Bryan) Redieske of Charlottesville, VA, and their children Lyla, Brayden, and Bailey

• Mark (Kate) Mendez of Richmond, VA, and their sons James, Charlie, and Ben

• Mariel (Marco) Tello of Manila, Philippines, and their son Milo

• Matthew (Daisy) Mendez of Harrisonburg, VA, and their daughters Kinsley and Alessia

• Mallori (Jacob) Byrd of Charlottesville, VA

• Dylan (Matt) Charrin-Nguyen of Alameda, CA

• Kevin (Maegan) Charrin of Houston, TX

• Joshua (Sarah) Henson of Winter Haven, FL, and their children Elijah and Lilith

She is also survived by her sister Martha Blanchard of Fredericktown, Ohio, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family across the country.

Pat is preceded in death by:

Her husband of 59 years, Luis Mendez (2019), her parents Edgil and Ruth Ryan, and siblings Maxine Gilpin, Paul Ryan, Bob Ryan, Ernie Ryan, Mary Lou, Barb Blanchard, Bill Ryan, and John Ryan. She was also preceded in death by her beloved daughters LaDonna Mendez and Nicole Mendez, grandson Brian Charrin, sister-in-law Nancy Saucedo, and brothers-in-law Luis Arturo Mendez, Luis Enrique Mendez, and Robert Farrell.

Special Thanks

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Wendy Stillwell with Millennium Physician Group, ShorePoint Health, Harbour Health Center, and Tidewell Hospice for their compassionate care in Pat’s final months. A heartfelt thank you to Kim McGhee for her kindness and devoted care at home and to Ruth Douglas for her prayers and presence at Pat’s bedside. The family also appreciates Mary from Sacred Heart Catholic Church for bringing communion to Pat in her final months.

Memorial Services

• A memorial service and luncheon will be held at Harbor View on the Bay Community Center on Saturday, March 1, at 12:00 PM.

• A graveside memorial will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in McGaheysville, VA, on May 24, 2025, where she will join her husband.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations in Pat’s honor may be made to the Luis A. Mendez, Jr. Scholarship Fund, which supports high school students aspiring to become teachers, with a focus on music and the arts. Contributions can be sent to:

Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County

317 S Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Online donations can also be made at Luis A. Mendez, Jr. Scholarship. Luis A. Mendez Jr. Scholarship Fund 

Pat’s kindness, love for family, and unwavering support for those she cherished will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.