Dona Elizabeth Mendes

DONA ELIZABETH MENDES 11/22/28 - 08/16/15 Dona was born November 22, 1928 in Ferndale, CA to Clarence "Bud" and Irma Olsen. She lived, loved, laughed, and peacefully died at home on August 16th at the age of 86. She had an amazing life, spent almost entirely in Ferndale. With five brothers Dona learned to be independent and stand up for herself, a strength she maintained throughout her life. She attended local schools, made lifelong childhood friends and worked at local jobs including as a telephone switchboard operator in the days before the dial-up phone. She married Antone "Tony" Paul Mendes on April 18, 1948, her high school sweetheart and love of her life for 29 years. Their life together was rich in family, starting with five children in nine years and a large extended family. They experienced a full life with forever friends, dancing, camping, playing cards, celebrating everything with lots of laughter. She enjoyed the cabin in Petrolia, sharing it with friends and family, welcoming even the strangers and stragglers her kids often brought along. Her husband died early in life and Dona continued on with grace, spirit, determination and lived a fulfilling life watching her family grow to ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two more on the way. She loved attending Ferndale Football games, watching her grand sons play, sitting with friends, cheering the team and ringing her cow bell in support. Her home was always open, welcoming all who dropped in. Dona would be found sitting at the kitchen table with a deck of cards in hand or working in her beautiful yard. She is survived by her children: Nick Mendes (Patty), Toni Mendes (Tom), Marice Thomas (Michael), Tina Toste (George), and Iris Mendes; grandchildren: Regina, Robin, Cassie, Lindsey, Angela, Ryan, Tyler, Mason, Jared and Morgan; great-grandchildren: Tony, Jacob, Randi, Liam, Reid, Dominic, Akirra; her brother Robert and her sweet dog Maggie. Dona was preceded in death by her husband Tony, her parents, twin sons and four bothers. A celebration of her life will be held at her home in Ferndale at 2 pm on Saturday August 22nd. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to the Tony Mendes Memorial Scholarship at Ferndale High or

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