SanJuana Mendoza

January 25, 1942 - December 1, 2021

In Loving Memory SanJuana (“Juanita”) Mendoza, 79, of Woodbridge, VA, passed away Wednesday afternoon, December 1, 2021 surrounded by her family. Juanita was born in Colombia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico on January 25, 1942 to Dominga Cerda and Santiago Rodriguez and is the oldest of their three daughters. As a young devoted Catholic, she worked alongside nuns as a caregiver when she met her husband of 54 years, Vicente Mendoza. Together, they raised 6 sons first in Texas before settling in Northern Virginia. She was a devoted, strong, and fiercely protective mother. She always made sure her boys came first, whether it was a hot meal, clean clothes or healing them with home remedies. Juanita treasured her children and grandchildren and enjoyed every moment she spent with them. She would often gather her family around a meal, with bottomless stacks of flour tortillas, followed by a competitive and lively game of Loteria – for which she usually won. She never met a stranger, turned away someone in need or let you leave her house on an empty stomach. She was endearing to countless many, always had advice to give, whether you asked for it or not, and had the best stories to share. She was intent to instill the importance of family and faith. She is remembered for saying “Si Dios Quiere”, and always taught to leave everything in God’s hands. She loved deeply, selflessly, and unconditionally and will always be the heart and soul of the family. Juanita is survived by her husband of 54 years, Vicente Mendoza, their 6 sons, Vicente, Jr. (Josefina), Jose Francisco (Maria), Jose Guadalupe (Maira), Gilberto, Juan De Dios (Letitia), Eduardo Javier (Tabitha), her mother, Dominga and two sisters, Maria and Guadalupe, 16 grand-children and 1 great-grand child, and many nieces and nephews. Her big personality, strong spirit, infectious laugh, and unconditional love will be forever missed. Services will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Pierce Funeral Home from 6-9pm, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA, 20110. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 10am, All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas, VA, 20110. Interment immediately following at Stonewall Memory Gardens, 12004 Lee Highway, Manassas, VA, 20109.