Raquel, Mrs Mendoza or Raquelita as she was fondly known, died on Feb. 25, 2025 at the age of 94 in Goleta. She was born in Mexico City, Mexico, on March 17, 1930 and came to the United States in the 1960s.

She was known as a rare and resourceful resident of the Westside community. Mrs Mendoza was an outspoken community advocate for the voiceless for many causes including rights of Latino youth, immigrants, farmworkers, neighborhood pride, bilingual education, and many others.

She spearheaded efforts in neighborhood pride in areas needing trash cleanup and removal of graffiti. She was especially supportive of the farmworkers movement and marched with labor leaders such as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.

With her constant companion, Amber, her Chihuahua always at her side, Raquel was a constant speaker at city hall meetings and the Santa Barbara School District, speaking truth to power with her vocal and forceful enthusiasm to help make positive changes throughout the Santa Barbara community.

Raquel volunteered at many organizations, including La Casa de La Raza and the Westside Neighborhood Center, among others.

She often cooked for special events and holiday pozole dinners. She also assisted with neighborhood block parties, food distributions and the salsa festival.

She volunteered in the Mariachi festival and spent many years of service working to improve the lives of children and families throughout Santa Barbara. She was proud of her Mexican heritage, and advocated for the preservation of the Spanish language and cultural pride.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, March 14 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 21 W. Sola St., Santa Barbara, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.

Please join us to celebrate and acknowledge the exceptional life of Raquelita.

Arrangements entrusted to Pueblo del Rey Funeral Services.