Maria Mendez

Maria J. Mendez

Maria J Mendez(nee Gil Gayo) 89, of Corredoira de Paizas, Ourense, Spain

died peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday July 10th.

Visitation is Monday, July 15, 2019 from 4pm - 8pm.

At the Galante Funeral Home 2800 Morris Avenue Union, N.J.

A funeral Service will be held in the Funeral  Home at 7:30 pm.

The Funeral Mass and Entombment will be in San Salvador de Paizas, Ramirás Ourense, Spain.

Maria was married to the late Benito Mendez for 51 years, until he died in 1998. They migrated to the United States in 1972 and worked here for 10 years, before retiring and moving back to Spain in 1982.

She was the mother of Benito G. Mendez and his wife Maria. Loving

Grandmother of Victoria Mendez and her partner Natalie Rivera, Benito J. Mendez and his wife Martita Mendez, Alyssa Mendez and her fiance Robert Perez.

She was the sister of Jose Gil Gayo and his wife Luisa,

and the late Carmen Gil Gayo and her late husband Manuel Gayo.

She is also survived by her niece Elisa Gayo Gil and her daughters Mari and Montse.

Maria was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who would return yearly to the US to spend time with her family.

She was a strong, energetic, and loving woman with an incredible zest for life. Her love extended far beyond her family and friends

. A loving neighbor and friend to those both in Spain and the U.S, she was known by all for her Licor Cafe and delicious Empanadas.

Her strength and enormous heart were an inspiration and will always be remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers that