Josephine "Jo" Sta. Romana Mendoza

Josephine Sta. Romana Mendoza age 80, of Minnesota, USA

Josephine "Jo" Sta. Romana Mendoza, 80, of Wayzata, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. Born on June 9, 1945, in the Philippines, widowed at a young age of 35, she devoted her life to her five children, whom she raised after the passing of her husband. Her strength, grace, and unwavering faith defined her life and inspired all who knew her.

A true embodiment of Filipino spirit, Jo brought warmth and joy to every gathering with her love for singing and dancing. She enjoyed  bowling and word search with her children and grandchildren, and in her later years, she embraced creativity through coloring and painting. As a devoted parishioner of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, her faith was a guiding light throughout her life.

Jo is survived by her son, Raymund Mendoza; daughters and sons-in-law, MJ Curry and Peter, Barbra Mack and Chris, Cheryl Tucker and Shawn, Joan Mendoza and Gabriel Roseman; grandchildren, Alyanna and Kristin Mack, Danielle and Aidan Tucker, Liam and Gabriella Curry, and Reuben Roseman; sisters, Marina Franco, Sonia Blackburn and Rachel Roberts; sisters-in-law, Dr. Divina Lupe Lazaro and Cyntia Sta. Romana, and many relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lt. Col. Antonio Mendoza, her parents, Col. Jesus and Apolonia Sta. Romana, and her brother, Bobby Sta. Romana.

Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and faith — qualities that continue to live on through her family.

Funeral and memorial service will be held on November 21, 2025, at St. Mary of the Lake, 105 N. Forestview Lane, Plymouth. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M., followed by the church service at 11:00 A.M., and a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice or the Randy Shaver Cancer Fund, which provided comfort during her final days. Jo will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched.

Donations to the J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice may be sent care of Allina Health Foundation, 2925 Chicago Ave., Mail Route 10721, Minneapolis, MN 55407 or directly by clicking here.

Donations to the Randy Shaver Cancer Fund may be sent to Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund, 12800 Whitewater Drive Suite 100, Minnetonka, MN 55343 or directly by clicking here.