Josephine ‘Josie’ H. Mendoza was born in Santa Barbara on Feb. 3, 1939 to Joseph and Guadalupe Mendoza. One of 15 children, Josie Mendoza died on April 26, 2025.

Josie was a sister, aunt, great aunt, great-great aunt, godmother, friend, and a well-loved member of the community.

She retired from her job as an elementary school nurse at Peabody Charter School after spending the majority of her life being of service in Santa Barbara.

She was kind, generous, warm, and fiercely loyal to all who knew her. She was always ready to laugh and could make anyone smile.

Like many of her siblings, Josie loved to celebrate life. If there was music, she was dancing and singing. She loved family, Mariachis, flamenco, and the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Josie cared for her family and community all of her life. She will be forever missed.

Services will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 227 N. Nopal St., Santa Barbara. A rosary will be at 7 p.m. Thursday May 15, and a funeral mass at 10 a.m. May 16 with a reception to follow at Tucker’s Grove, Area 3.