Carmen Mendez

Carmen Mendez-Bowdre, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on September 19, at the age of 84. She was born on July 14, 1935 in Wilmington California to late parents Jesus and Natividad Mendez. She grew up in the Whites Point area of San Pedro, CA with her 8 siblings. Living steps away from the ocean her fondest memories were playing along the cliffs and coves of Whites Point.

She later resided in Riverside, CA. There she enjoyed many activates such as dancing, running and swimming. She was an active member at the Janet Goeske Foundation and Senior Center. Carmen also had a passion for gardening and art. She took great pride in her many fruit trees and plants and loved telling her life stories through her drawings.

Carmen is survived by her brother, Pete Mendez; 2 sisters, Isabel Chisholm and Angela Mendez; 2 children, Ruben Villaescusa and Elena Levicke; 3 grandchildren, Nolan, Brian and Stephanie Dooley and 2 great grandchildren, Scarlett and Mia. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 4 at 10 a.m. at Green Hills Memorial in the Historical Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org .