Catherine Garcia Mendoza was born on August 9th, 1940 to Guadalupe Zaragoza Garcia and Tiburcio Garcia. Born and raised in Pittsburg, California, she graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1958. Catherine married Onesimo Mendoza, of Isleton, California, on March 19th, 1960 in Reno. They had run away at the age of 20 and 21 to get married while Onesimo was in the army. Together they raised a family of 2 children and eventually helped with raising two of their grandchildren in their home. They were married for 60 wonderful years before Onesimo’s passing in 2020.

As a young woman, Catherine’s preferred pastime was going out dancing with friends and family. She continued to dance when she could, especially at parties. Catherine cherished spending time with her family and helping them out in any way she could. Her favorite moments were celebrating at family parties, going camping with her family, as well as visiting Reno and Tahoe with her husband. She would have fun gambling no matter the outcome. She especially loved trips to Disneyland with her grandkids, her favorite ride being the Pirates of the Caribbean. Catherine was an outgoing and friendly person. She was funny in her own right, even when she played the straight-man to her husband’s kooky jokes. Catherine was also the kindest soul. Though her life had many traumas and tribulations, she never let it harden her. Even in her final years as her dementia progressed, she never let it take away from her true nature; she was sweet until the end. She would smile and laugh, and although she didn’t speak you could tell she enjoyed your company.

On August 20th, 2026, after over a decade of living with dementia, Catherine passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side. She is survived by her 5 grandchildren, their spouses and 2 great-grandchildren: Onesimo Mendoza III & Daniel Arreola, Micheal Mendoza & Rochelle Mendoza (Iliya Mendoza & Nora Mendoza), Alexander Escajeda Jr. & Gabriela Escajeda, Matthew Escajeda & Celeste Salazar, and Jennifer Escajeda. She is also survived by her sisters Alice Flores & Jesse Rosales, and her brother Joseph Garcia.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm with a vigil at 4:00pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel. Funeral liturgy Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 12:45pm at Church of the Good Shepherd. Committal Services following at Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch.