Laura Elisabeth Mendonca

On January 20, 2021, we lost a very loving precious soul, Laura Elisabeth Mendonca, age 95. Laura was born in Tulare, CA on February 18, 1925 to Maria and Alexander Enos. Laura was the first born of three siblings. Laura attended local schools, graduating from Tulare High School. Besides working on the family Diary Farm as a child her first job was working for Linder's Department Store in Tulare. On July 28th, 1949 she married her husband Manuel Mendonca at Saint John's Catholic Church, Chico, CA. Together they had two sons, Melvin Mendonca and Larry Mendonca. Manuel and Laura farmed almonds and row crops along with their sons. Laura also worked seasonally during almond harvest on a local almond huller sorting nuts, and enjoyed working with her sister in-law Evelyn Paiva at the Green Stamp Store in Chico. Laura worked 20 years at Notley's Western Wear helping customers with boot and clothing sales as well as marking clothing for alterations. Laura was a lifelong devoted Catholic and a member of Saint John's Catholic Church for 76 years, Catholic Daughters, as well as the Chico Portuguese Holy Ghost and Fatima Club and what is known as the Birthday Luncheon Group, friends who would go out to lunch once a month to celebrate each other's birthday. Family meant everything to Laura. She showed her love by always being there for her sons and family that were added along the years. She was a wonderful cook, showing her love to her family with her wonderful cooking and hosting family meals once a week and Holidays. She was known for her sweet bread, homemade rolls and turkey enchiladas. It must have been in the genes, because both her sons inherited her cooking talents. Laura loved to bake cakes, so naturally she decided to take a cake decorating class and the rest was history. She would make a cake for every birthday or family occasion and was even known for making wedding cakes for family and friends. Popcorn Balls was the treat she would give to Trick or Treaters at Halloween and it is still remembered to this day. The family would travel to Tulare each year to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas and visit with relatives. They also loved to go camping and fishing. Laura loved all of her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 23 years, Manuel, her parents Alexander and Maria Enos, brother, Manuel Enos, sister, Elsie Mendonca, son Melvin Mendonca. She is survived by her son Larry (Mindy) Mendonca, daughter in-law, Nancy Mendonca, grandson Justin (Jamee) Mendonca, granddaughter Melissa Mendonca, great-grandchildren, Emely Mendonca, June Mendonca, Grandchildren Matt (Annette) Kiraly, Tim (Jennifer) Kiraly, Amy (Gary) Lechner, Joel (Melissa) Miller, Justin (Lauren) Pickard. Great-grandchildren, Lauren Kiraly, Morgan Kiraly, Ava Kiraly, Stellan Kiraly, Audrey Kiraly, Regan Lechner, Gilllian Lechner, Anna Pickard, Hayden Miller, Olivia Pickard, Blake Miller. Great-Great Grandson Eli Withrow. Laura is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to Townsend House for providing wonderful loving care and friendship during Laura's twenty-two month stay, and to Enloe Hospice for their compassion and care during her last 2 ½ months of life. Donations in honor of Laura's life may be made to Chico Portuguese Holy Ghost and Fatima Club, care of Brusie Funeral Home, 626 Broadway, Chico, CA 95928. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a private service will be held at Glen Oaks Cemetery.