Frances I. Mendoza

Frances “MA” Ignacio Mendoza, the heartbeat of our family and the essence of grace, peacefully departed from this world on March 9, 2024. Her transition from our lives leaves a void impossible to fill, yet her legacy of boundless love, unwavering strength, and profound kindness will forever echo in our souls.

Born on June 29, 1930, in Urdaneta, Philippines, MA’s life was a symphony of love and resilience. In 1969, she embarked on a courageous journey to San Francisco, California, where she wove the threads of her dreams into the fabric of a new beginning, guided by hope and nurtured by faith.

She took pride in being and independent woman who was educated and pursued teaching, working in the healthcare field, and serving as the President of her Filipino Union.

MA was not just a beacon of love within her family; she was also an avid sports enthusiast, her heart intertwined with the spirit of San Francisco’s sports teams. She cheered passionately for the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco 49ers, their victories a source of joy that illuminated her days and their defeats, a reminder of the resilience she embodied.

However, it was within the embrace of her family that MA’s light truly shone brightest. She was the loving mother of Wilfred, Vivian, Dympna, Narissa, Gerry “aka Bong,” and Franco, their names a melody of her heart. To her grandchildren—Jennifer, Don, Dinah, Becky, Gennedy, Jackie, Michelle, Daniela, Desiree, Monica, Anthony, Rivian, and Nicholas—MA was a source of unwavering love, a beacon of wisdom, and a guiding presence through life’s journey. Her 21 great-grandchildren-Andrew, Zeta, Kirsten, Ethan, AJ, Dru, Bel, Alyse, Maverick, Santana, Talor, Mikalah, Max, Jackson, Alexander, Olivia, Phoenix, Harlow, Ezra, Monroe and River brought her immeasurable joy, each one a testament to the enduring legacy of love she cultivated within her family.

MA was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Narciso, her sons Gerry “aka Bong” and Franco and great granddaughter Annie. Their absence leaves an ache in our hearts, yet their spirits dance among the stars, forever intertwined with MA’s own.

Throughout her life, MA’s love knew no bounds, her compassion endless, and her grace unparalleled. She was a sanctuary of comfort, a refuge of strength, and a fountain of unwavering faith. Her gentle touch healed wounds unseen, her laughter echoed through the halls of our memories, and her love wrapped us in a warm embrace, reassuring us that we were never alone.

As we bid farewell to Frances “MA” Ignacio Mendoza, we find comfort in the knowledge that her spirit will continue to guide us, her love will forever surround us, and her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched. Though she may no longer walk among us, her presence will forever be in our hearts.

A viewing to honor the life of Frances “MA” Ignacio Mendoza will be held on April 4, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Cypress Lawn Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and share cherished memories of MA during this time of remembrance.

A Mass to celebrate MA’s life will be held on April 5, at 10:30 AM, at Holy Names Catholic Church in San Francisco. We welcome all who wish to join us in honoring MA’s memory and finding comfort in the embrace of faith and community.

Following the Mass, a burial service will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California. This final farewell will provide an opportunity for loved ones to bid a tender farewell to MA and lay her to rest.

Rest in eternal peace, dearest MA, knowing that you are deeply loved, profoundly missed, and forever cherished.