Consuelo "Connie" Mendoza

Consuelo “Connie” Mendoza, age 83, of Topeka, KS, passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in Topeka.

She was born the daughter of Jesus and Maria (Servin) Ramirez on April 20, 1941, in Lawrence, KS. She met, then married Maximo “Max” Mendoza, Sr., on December 2, 1961, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence. Together, they celebrated 59 years of marriage until Max’s passing on February 4, 2021.

Connie was devoted to her Catholic faith and to her church, Our Lady of Guadalupe. During her working career, Connie was a Paraprofessional for USD 501 for over 30 years upon her retirement, working at Belvoir and McClure Elementary schools. She enjoyed listening to music, traveling with Max and her family, as well as watching KU basketball and soap operas. Over the years, Connie became an expertise at tortilla-making, a skill taught by her mother, that she shared with family and friends. She was an excellent cook, and she loved to spend time with her extended family and was known to host gatherings at her house. 

Survivors include two sons, Max Mendoza, Jr., and his wife Stephanie, Mark Mendoza; and a daughter, Regina Mendoza; three granddaughters, Shawna (Caleb) Herwick, Melodi Wheeler, and Gabrielle Mendoza; one grandson, Andrew “AJ” Vargas; and one great granddaughter, Alaiya Vargas. Other survivors include her four brothers, Jessie (Martha) Ramirez, Jr., Mike (Anita) Ramirez, Richard (Pam) Ramirez, and Gilbert Ramirez; and two sisters, Clara Bucia, and Carol (Ted) Laughead.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Max Mendoza, Sr.; four brothers, Tom Ramirez, Joe Ramirez, Fred Ramirez, Daniel Ramirez; and two sisters, Carmen Ornelas, and Lupe Godinez.

Connie will lie in state from 9:30-10:30 A.M., followed by a rosary at 10:30 A.M., on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., at the church. Cremation will follow after the service and burial of cremains will take place at a later date at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Connie's memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.