Lucy Mendoza Ramirez

Lucy Mendoza Ramirez, age 96, of Galveston, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on the morning of August 21, 2024. Born on December 23, 1927, to Victor Mendoza and Maria de la Luz Carbajal, Lucy was a BOI and a lifelong resident of Galveston Island, where her parents settled after immigrating from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, in 1923. Lucy was one of seven children, all of whom were part of “The Greatest Generation”. 

Lucy had a zest for life and lived her life to the fullest.  She could be seen around the island with a beautiful hat to match her beautiful smile.  She was a “people” person at heart, and excelled in sales.  Lucy was remembered by many from “The Fair” Department Store where she fitted many of the island residents for shoes.  She also sold appliances and gas grills at Southern Union Gas Company where she retired after 30 years of service.  One of Lucy’s life highlights was being honored in 1969 as Galveston County’s Mother of the Year. 

Lucy was deeply committed to her community, actively participating in several organizations throughout her life. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America at Holy Family Parish of Galveston, the West End Lioness Club, the Galveston Island A&M Mother’s Club, Quota International, the 50 Club of Galveston County and The Galveston Island Cowboy Krazies. She also contributed to the Galveston Niigata Sister City Committee, the Galveston Art League, the Gulf Coast Region Hospice Care Agency - Hospice Care Team and The Grand 1894 Opera House.  In addition, Lucy also volunteered her time at UTMB and Shriners Burns Hospital, reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping others. 

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a cherished friend to many on the island.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Jesse; her son Michael Estrada; her daughter-in-law Dianne Grebe; sister-in-law Vera Mendoza; her sisters Carmen Vielmas and Dolores Woodward (Bob); and her brothers Jesse (Irma),Victor (Julia) and Joe (Gloria) Mendoza; plus special family friend Santiago ‘Jimmy’ Rodriguez.

Lucy is survived by her children Cynthia Maldonado (Edward) of Longview and their children Jason Maldonado (Miranda) of Houston, Tiffany Knox (Jeff) of Richardson, Leslie Paramore (Jordan) of Longview; Robert Parra of Houston; Joseph Estrada (Hope) of Houston; daughter-in-law Susan Estrada of Magnolia and children Amanda Williams (Michael) of Houston, Alyssa Estrada (Edgar Cardoze) of Houston, Abby Estrada (Alex Stoeckel) of Austin; Edmund Ramirez (Yolanda) of Houston and their children Samantha Brown (Ian) of Big Spring, Alexandra Ramirez of New Orleans; Roger Ramirez of Fort Worth; Sonya Garza (Richard) of Galveston and their children Anjelica Ramirez (Eddie) of Texas City, Richard X. Garza of Galveston; and Natalie Moya (Dennis) of Pearland. She also leaves behind a legacy of 8 great-grandchildren: Milla Maldonado, Sage Knox, Grayson Paramore, Billy Williams, Madelyn Williams, Jordan Ramirez, Hank Brown, and Jasper Brown. Lucy is also survived by her brothers Ralph (Rachel) Mendoza of Orange County, CA, and Tony Mendoza of Galveston; sister-in-laws Dolores Mendoza, and Margaret Ramirez; and special friends Jean Garcia and Mary Rodriguez. 

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home from 5:00 – 6:30 P.M., with a Rosary to begin at 6:30 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at St. Mary’s Cathedral starting at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at the Oleander Cemetery on Broadway. 

Pallbearers are Robert Parra, Joseph Estrada, Edmund Ramirez, Richard Garza, Dennis Moya, Jason Maldonado, Richard X. Garza and Eddie Ramirez. Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Ramirez and Edward Maldonado. 

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to Rosa Lopez, Robert Arespe, Lisa Balusek, Marvena Wolf, Cheronda Brown, Yolanda Scurry and North Star Hospice (Suzanne & Ariel) for their special care of our beautiful mother near the end of her journey. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Burns Hospital, 815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas 77550, or The ALS Association – Team Estrada Estrellas, 1950 Craig Rd, STE. 200, St. Louis, MO 63146. 

Lucy Ramirez will be remembered for her unwavering faith, dedication to her community, and love for her family. Her legacy of kindness and service will continue to inspire those who knew her.

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