On Monday, November 7, 2022, Mary Felix Mendez, a loving mother of four children, peacefully passed away at age 76.

Mary was born to Carmen Salas on June 11, 1946, in Dallas, TX. She grew up with four siblings, Pauline, Rita, Toñia, and Frank, in the 'Little Mexico' neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. One of Mary's first loves as a young kid was swimming.

As her family affectionately called her Momma, Mary raised her three sons, Sam, Phillip, Jesse, and her daughter, Monica. Mary was a wonderful, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt who always put her family first. The love she had for her family and friends will live on forever. Her seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Mary was always supportive and proud of them.

Her greatest joy was having her family gather and share that joy through her cooking. Enchiladas and deviled eggs were her favorite meal to make.

Holidays were her favorite time for decorating, cooking, and sharing with family and friends. Mary was known for having closets full of holiday decorations, but Christmas was her favorite. You'd find Mary on the dance floor enjoying Tejano music during parties. In quiet moments, Mary loved solving word puzzles and watching Spanish telenovelas.

She never met a stranger. She was known for her love of people from all walks of life. Mary touched so many lives with kindness, caring, and sharing. Mary will be remembered for her smile and laughter.

Mary was known for her strong work ethic. She began working at the age of 15 year old to support her family. Mary was an employee of Princess Purse Factory in Dallas, TX, and Resistol Hats in Garland, TX. For Mary, work was a time to connect with people, and that's where she met lifelong friends.

Mary is survived by her children, Sam Mendez Jr. and Taylor Mendez, Phillip Mendez and Angie Stone, Jesse Mendez, Monica Orozco, and Dina Medina. And her siblings, Pauline Alcala, Rita Cruz, and Frank Luera. Her adoring grandchildren Alyssa Zmolek, Joshua Torres, Christina Orozco, Zachary Orozco, Melissa Froehling, Jennifer Mendez, and Jessica Mendez. As well as her great-grandchildren: Donnie Zmolek, Zhide Orozco, Luca Todd, Cloie McCoy, Willow Stamper, Jayden and Hudson Ruby. Also numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Carmen Salas, and sister Toñia Charles.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 10th, 2022 at Williams Funeral Directors at 1600 S. Garland Ave, Texas at 1 p.m. Mary's family asks you join them immediately following the service at the Garland Masonic Lodge at 125 E. State Street, Garland, Texas.

In place of flowers, please donate to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in her memory. https://www.dallasarboretum. org/support/donate/tributes- program/