Janet Eleanor Mendoza's Obituary
Janet Eleanor Mendoza, 85, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024 surrounded by her loving family and caregivers.
Born on August 16, 1938, to Clarence Kronk and Minnie Grace Ballard in East St. Louis, Illinois, Janet was raised alongside her siblings Jerry and Ruth in Dupo, Illinois. She graduated from Dupo High School in ’57 and later earned a teaching certificate.
Janet loved teaching grammar school in Red Bud, Illinois, the small Midwestern town where she met her future husband, Bill W. Bradshaw. They married in Cahokia, Illinois in 1959. The pair made a beautiful life together and, with the help of their family, built their first home in North Dupo, Illinois. Between 1962 and ’64, they were blessed with three children: Theresa Lynn, Tod Walter and Gina Ruth. The family relocated to Arnold, Missouri in 1969 where they remained until ’73 when Janet moved out west to join her sister in Florence, Arizona.
It was in Florence, where Janet met her second husband, Roy Mendoza. The duo was married in 1974. Janet and Roy spent 25 wonderful years together in Casa Grande, Arizona, where she had a long career as an administrative assistant to the chief administrator at Casa Grande Regional Medical Center. In 1999, they moved to Tucson, Arizona to be closer to their family and Janet launched a second career as an administrative assistant to the superintendent of Stanfield School District.
Janet retired from Stanfield in the early 2000s, allowing her plentiful days and hours to thoroughly enjoy and spoil the other loves of her life, her five grandchildren and later four great grandchildren. She showered her grandkids with the kind of unconditional love that only a grandmother can give.
In her retirement years, Janet took up ballroom dancing. She also returned to work part-time at a retirement community, making her mark on residents with her signature smile and organ-playing skills. She enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family and jumped at every opportunity to take a beach vacation and enjoy seaside sunsets in San Carlos, Mexico and San Diego. Janet loved playing her organ at holiday celebrations and played her signature tune for loved ones on their birthdays whether near or far. Janet loved her family fiercely and was a dedicated friend to many. More than anything, she loved a good party, singing and dancing. She never missed out on a good time or a chance to let her family and friends know how much they meant to her.
Janet attributed much of her happiness and serenity to her faith in Jesus and the teachings of AA’s 12-Step Program.
In 2017, Janet was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. While the disease progressed slowly, eventually affecting her movement and speech, Janet never let these physical disadvantages define her. During these challenging years, she was blessed with wonderful caregivers who became dear friends and family members. Janet’s family will be forever grateful for the love and compassionate care she received from her cherished friends: Rosa, Toni, Nohemi, Mia, Marian, Maya and Yesica.
Janet is proceeded in death by her mother, Minnie; stepfather, Bill; father, Clarence; stepmother, Myrtle; grandparents, Amos and Theresa Kronk; first husband, Bill Bradshaw and many beloved aunts, uncles and dear friends. Janet is survived by her husband of 50 years, Roy Mendoza; brother Jerry Kronk (Lynn); sister Ruth Ann Kronk-Granillo; daughter, Theresa Brogan; son, Tod Bradshaw (Ann); daughter, Gina Wallen (Dominic); grandchildren Benjamin Brogan, Andrea Papagianis-Camacho (Alfonso), Saraya Wallen, Christian Wallen (Tori) and Madeline Wallen (Kyle); great grandchildren Jackson Wallen and Sofia, Javier and Naomi Camacho. She is also survived by her goddaughter Dana Robledo-Barzola (Galo); her nieces Debbie Williams (Larry), Erin Pricco (Jeff), Teresa Larsen (Chris) and nephews Clark Ray (Jill), Paul Ray (Kia) and Chris Ray.
The family would like to thank Haven Hospice for their kind and gentle care, especially Nurse Jane.
Services will be held at Evergreen Mortuary and Cemetery on Monday, July 15. Her family will hold a viewing at 10:00 a.m. and funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service and luncheon hosted by Janet’s family will follow.
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