Julia Mendez

Julia Elias Mendez Perez, aka “Julita”, 94, a resident of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, Sept. 12th at Stamford Hospital.

Julia was born in Isabela, Puerto Rico on February 16, 1929, to the late Marcos Mendez Caban and Luisa Perez Perez.

During her time in Puerto Rico, she had eight children. She worked several types of jobs to support her family. In 1963 she moved to Newark, NJ, and later in life had three more children. She had a “BIG HEART” and opened her home to anyone in need. She loved having a house full of family. She also loved to clean, cook, and read the Bible. She began her bible studies with the Jehovah Witnesses in New Jerey and resumed her studies when she moved to Stamford, CT in the late 70’s. While in Stamford she worked for several companies before retiring from Valleylab. After retirement, she helped raise her grandson, Kyle.

Julia was a loving mother, aunt, friend, and grandmother. To all her grandchildren she was known as “GIGI”. Besides being devoted to her family she was a devoted Jehovah Witness who loved her brothers and sisters in the congregation who called her “Julita”. She lit up the room with her big smile and her words of wisdom provided encouragement.

Julia is survived by her 6 children: Ada Irizarry, Nivia Streifel, Wanda Irizarry, Marcos (Elizabeth) Melendez, Edna Hernandez and Cathy Hernandez; 11 grandchildren: Sandra Gonzalez, Julie Gonzalez, Julio Irizarry, Diane Garcia, Nidza Camacho, Cathy Martinez, John Smith, Jovanna Rosario, Richard Juchem, Michael (Morgan) Melendez, and Kyle (Danielle) Corbett; 28 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren; one brother Luis Mendez and one sister Ramonita Nieves-Mendez.

Julia is predeceased by her five children: Eneida Irizarry, Hector Gonzalez, Iris Irizarry, Jose Irizarry, and Nydia Irizarry; one grandson David Juchem; two sisters: Josefa Mendez and Dionisia Mendez.

There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, 611 Fairfield Ave., Stamford, CT at 2:30 p.m. Please note that the memorial will be in Spanish with an English translation.

The entire family would love to thank everyone who sent their heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.lacerenzafh.com