Nadine Mendonca

Nadine Mendonca of Visalia passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2016 at the age of 87. Born Nadine Rose Silva, the only child, to Joe K. and Mary Grace Silva on November 21st, 1929 in Visalia, CA. Nadine graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1949, and on September 25th, 1949, she married the love of her life, Tony Mendonca. Together they entered into the dairy business and worked side by side until selling the dairy in 1964. Nadine graduated from Federico’s Beauty College, and worked briefly as a hairstylist, and after her two children came along, she stayed home to raise them. When the kids started school she went to work for Visalia Unified School District, in the attendance office, and ran the snack bar at Divisadero Junior High for 20 years until her retirement in 1992. Nadine loved cooking, baking, gardening, and the annual ritual of canning fruit. She was a member of the St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters, and for nearly 40 years served as the Treasurer of the S.P.R.S.I. Lodge, Visalia Council. She also served nearly 10 years as a Pink Lady at Tulare Regional Hospital. Nadine was a special lady, and the kind of person that could not say no, and was always there to help family and friends all of whom she loved dearly. Nadine was preceded in death by her husband and partner of nearly 65 years, Tony, in 2014. She is survived by her daughter Tonya Mendonca-Olivas of Hanford, grandchildren Micah and Chloe Olivas of Hanford, and her son David A. Mendonca of Visalia. Nadine is also survived by her "sisters" Mercedes Mendonca, Rose Neves, and Eva Soares all of Visalia. Her in-laws Manuel I. Mendonca of Hanford, Mary Alves, George I. and Carole Mendonca, Carl and Rosie Mendonca all of Tulare, John I. and Nadine Mendonca of Visalia, and Edward Mendonca of Bend, Oregon. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, January 11th, 2017 at 10:00am at Visalia District Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to "The Creative Center" 606 N. Bridge, Visalia, CA 93291. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Nadine Mendonca

November 21, 1929 - January 3, 2017