Jeanne Mendoza

Jeanne Mendoza passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on February 17, 2021 as a result of complications stemming from Covid-19. Jeanne was born to Russell and Naomi Doty on July 27, 1944 – the 3rd of 8 children. She married the love of her life and best friend, Donald Mendoza, on October 20, 1967. The focus of their lives has been raising two wonderful children and their seven beautiful grandchildren. Jeanne taught biology within ISD 709 for almost 30 years, 20 of which were at Duluth East High School. Jeanne loved teaching biology during this time because new discoveries in science were constant and she was eager to share this new knowledge with her students. After retirement, Don and Jeanne spent many enjoyable years traveling to Hilton Head Island, relaxing at their cabin on Rose Lake with their family, and faithfully participating as members of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church. Jeanne bravely fought serious health issues, such as breast cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, throughout which Don was her “rock and the best caregiver anyone could ask for,” according to Jeanne. She was known for her unwavering faith and deep devotion to her Lord and Savior, who she accepted into her life at the age of 9. She enjoyed quilting, walks around the lake, spending time with her family, and reading novels in her free time. She is known for her immense generosity and infectious smile. Jeanne often said she hopes her legacy for her grandchildren is that they keep their life in the will of God. Jeanne was preceded in death by her father and mother, Russell and Naomi Doty, brother Ralph Doty, and brother-in-law Edwin Bashaw, Donald’s parents, H. James and Ruth Johnson, and his sister Marion Johnson. She is survived by her husband Donald Mendoza, her daughter Deborah Mendoza and granddaughters Lauren and Holly, her son James (Katie) Mendoza and grandchildren Simon, Andrew, Clare, John, and James, her six siblings Will (Marge) Doty, Linda Bashaw, Gary (Marcia) Doty, Peggy (Tim) White, Dan (Jeanne) Doty, Barb (Dave) Juntune, her sister -in-law, Diane Doty and faithful friend, Sheila Christianson.

Public visitation will be Saturday, Feb. 27th from 10am to the 11am Private Family Services. A private family service will be held on February 27, 2021 at Dougherty Funeral Home. You can live-stream Jeanne’s service, starting at 10:55am, Saturday, Feb. 27th at, https://www.facebook.com/dfhduluth.

A celebration of Jeanne’s life will be held this summer at her beloved cabin on Rose Lake, which friends and family are encouraged to join.  Memorials are preferred and may be directed to Don Mendoza, c/o Dougherty Funeral Home.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, MN  55805, (218) 727-3555.