Evelyn "Tootsie" Renteria Mendoza Porras
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With heavy hearts, the family of Evelyn "Tootsie" Porras announce her passing on Saturday, January 15, 2022. She was 84 years old. She lived a life dedicated to family and will be monumentally missed by those that knew her.
Evelyn was born on Monday, September 13, 1937 in Santa Paula, California to doting parents Frank "Pancho" and Andrea "Andy" Mendoza in the front bedroom of the home that she would grow up in. That house, now more than 122 years old, stands a few doors down from the church she was brought up in, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Paula. She was raised with her three adoring brothers Frank "Roxy", Albert "Leve," and Edward "Dwardy" Mendoza.
She began school in Fillmore, then attended McKevett and Barbara Webster schools in Santa Paula. She studied at Isbell Junior High School and graduated from Santa Paula Union High School in 1955. She continued her education and obtained her degree from Ventura College.
She often related happy memories of childhood. As a young girl she spent time picking walnuts at Faulkner Farm, taking car trips to Los Angeles with her parents to visit family and friends, and frequented the many sports activities her brothers participated in.
In early adulthood, she held several jobs including head cashier at the Fox Theater in downtown Santa Paula. She later went on to begin her 15-year career at Point Mugu Naval Base. While at Point Mugu, Evelyn was engaged in many ventures with the Business and Professional Women's Organization of Ventura County.
As a young woman she met Porfirio "Pilo" Porras when he returned from completing his military service during the Korean War. They would later marry in September of 1972 and thereafter would welcome two children, Porfirio "Punky" Porras and Andrea "Sitsie" Porras.
Evelyn retired from Point Mugu before her first child was born and provided a loving home for her family, putting them first at all times. She was superbly supportive in all things, whether it was giving rides, volunteering in classrooms, prepping a game uniform or dance costume, or giving guidance on homework. Not to mention her ability to cut and glue presentation boards like no one's business!
She was a world class Grandma and enjoyed her time with her girls. She was present for every milestone like school assemblies, award ceremonies, dance recitals, and other important moments in their lives. Not only did she love their activities, they learned to enjoy some of her favorites also. Together, they shared a love of books, watching the Dodgers, Lakers and rooting for Tom Brady. Together they relished in mystery shows like Columbo, Law & Order SVU and Monk. However, their best-loved was Judge Judy.
Another of Evelyn's interests in recent years was volunteering at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where she felt a close-knit connection and formed several friendships.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her revered Grandmother Gabriela Renteria, beloved parents Andrea and Frank Mendoza, treasured older brother Albert Mendoza, plus prized pets Skipper and Springer.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 49 years, Porfirio, children Porfirio and Andrea (Javier) Porras, all of Santa Paula, Calif. Oldest brother Frank (Irene) of Fremont, Calif., youngest brother Edward (Annie) Mendoza of Santa Paula, and sister-in-law Mary Ann (Albert, deceased) Mendoza of Long Beach, Calif.
She also leaves behind Granddaughters Alexandrea Acosta and Gabrielle Cortez plus Great Granddaughter Sophia Lira, all of Santa Paula. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, God children, and good friends.
Visitation will begin at 6:00pm on Thursday, February 17, 2022 with a Rosary to begin at 6:30pm at Chapel of Angels, 600 East Pleasant Street, Santa Paula, California. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00am on Friday, February 18, 2022 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 427 North Oak Street, Santa Paula, California. Interment to follow at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Road, Santa Paula, California.
To sign the family's online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Evelyn's name located in Recent Obituaries.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garc?a Jr Funeral Services, Santa Paula, CA 805.229.7054