Lusila Gamez Mendez

Lusila Gamez Mendez, daughter of Francisco and Rosa Gamez, was born on November 14,1949 in San Benito, Texas but raised in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Lusila was the second oldest sibling and last surviving of four children including one older brother and two younger sisters.

In her early years, she often traveled with her family to the United States for work in the states of, Indiana, Florida and North Carolina. It was in these states, where she learned crop harvesting of corn and green beans. Due to the financial opportunities in these states, she was only able to earn an elementary education, prior to eventually settling in Houston, Texas. On September 19, 1970, she joined matrimony with Juan Gonzalez. Although, their marriage abruptly ended on December 15,1975, they welcomed two children: Juanita Chaj and Jesus Gonzalez. During this time, she resided with her parents in East End Houston and earned a living working at a local mattress factory with her sisters. After some time, she was introduced to her brother’s friend which eventually led to her second marriage.

On April 26, 1976, she married Emilio Mendez and with their unity conceived three more children to complete their family, Martin Mendez, Josefina Mendez and Patricia Mendez. In the years that followed, Lusila was a full-time home engineer, entrepreneur and eventually transitioned to working as a mail clerk at a private mailing company in midtown Houston from which she was able to retire from. Shortly thereafter, Lusila was preparing for her next major occupation, full time grandmother to her 11 grandchildren: Francisco Javier Varajas, Belen Lucero Barajas, Vicente Isaias Gonzalez, Marcos Ian Gonzalez, Kiara Alexandra Menjivar, Yesenia Luz Gonzalez, Mariska Arianna Gonzalez, Lino Isiel Gonzalez, Valentin Alonso Menjivar, Alitza Imeh Gonzalez, Santiago Amador Azrael Chaj.

Lusila was the heart and soul of our family, servant-hearted by putting others first, ready to share a warm meal, offering wisdom and embrace with a hug and blessing at the end of each conversation. Lusila was christened as “Ama” by her grandchildren because our love for her was unconditional and immeasurable. It was an honor and privilege for her to be able to help raise and care for all 12 grandchildren over the years. In addition to help raising her grandchildren, one of the hobbies she enjoyed the most was gardening, especially roses. She was extremely proud of the garden she had in the front of her home which always had a variety of different colored roses. She also enjoyed sewing and embroidering pillows for her loved ones and friends. Shortly after becoming a widow on October 2015, she became an active member at Baker Ripley Navigation Campus and enjoyed the camaraderie with her local community through participation in the Senior Health & Wellness programs. One of her favorite activities both at the campus and at home was playing Loteria, so much that she had her own trademarked cards in all shapes and sizes. Lusila was a God-fearing Catholic woman who loved attending Spanish-mass faithfully every Sunday with family.

On August 21, 2024, Lusila was called by God to reunite with her parents and siblings in eternal rest. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends and her memory will continue to live through her children and grandchildren.