Teresita “Tess” (Cruz) Mendoza, 72, Brockton resident of more than 40 years, passed away on October 20, 2017. Born in Manila, Philippines, she was the daughter of the late Soliman and Trinidad (Zarate) Cruz. The first in her family to immigrate, Tess bravely moved to the U.S. in her early 20s to be a chemist at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she worked for over 35 years until retirement. She took great pride in raising her three children with late husband Virgilio A. “Boy” Mendoza, and instilled in them through example a deep value for education, hard work, and determination. She was also a strong, devoted matriarch to her siblings as they came to this country and grew their own families as well. Tess was the loving mother of Vincent Mendoza and his wife Wendi of Watertown, Veronica Mendoza of Brooklyn, and the late Victor Mendoza and his wife Tania of Connecticut; grandmother of Noah, Zoey and Owen; dear sister of Sylvia Cortezano of Brockton, Leandro Cruz of Manila, Soliman Cruz Jr. of Los Angeles, Ramon Cruz of Manila, and the late Socorro Llanos, Celia Castro and Cesar Cruz; and aunt to many beloved nieces and nephews. Following cremation, all are welcome to calling hours Friday, October 27th from 4-8 p.m. in Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton. Funeral from Waitt Funeral Home Saturday, October 28th at 8 a.m., funeral Mass at 9 a.m. in St. Edith Stein Parish, 71 East Main St. Private committal.​

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