Ester Alicia Mendez

Ester Alicia Arenas Mendez, the heart of our family, left us on May 8, 2018. She was born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on May 26, 1933. She was raised by Jesus and Guadalupe Arenas. She later moved to Salt Lake City to raise her family. She is survived by her husband, Salvador Mendez and children, Jerry (Cathy), Teresa (Lyle) LeFevre, Salvador (Deborah), Larry, her grandchildren, Tony, Kurt (Tennille), Lonnie (Debra), Allison (David) Schreiber, Mario, Alicia, Emiliano and Marisa and great grandchildren, Aubrye, Jaden, Ella, Nicholas, Carson, Conner, Gage, Emilee, Jacob, and Jaden. Also survived by her sister Guadalupe (Robert), and brothers, Ricardo, Mario, Martin, Victor, and Cesar. Preceded in death by her sister Yolanda. Also survived by her sister Guadalupe (Robert), and brothers, Ricardo, Mario, Martin, Victor, and Cesar. Alicia finished her schooling in Mexico. She was intelligent and hard working. Education was always a priority. Alicia taught herself English by watching TV, reading magazines, newspapers, comic books and listening to the radio. Math and reading were her favorite subjects. As a student she enjoyed playing basketball and later in life she was an avid Jazz fan. She also enjoyed football and baseball, particularly taking her family to the Bees baseball games for a family night. She nurtured her younger brothers and sisters, providing love, guidance and financial support when they were young. She was proud of her siblings and they have remained close. When the Arenas familia got together there was sure to be good food and much laughter. She and Salvador would have celebrated their 70th anniversary this fall. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Salvador is devoted to Alicia, throughout her illness he continued their life together after she moved to Carrington Court Assisted Living, visiting her daily. Together they made a good life for their family, raising successful children. She was a working mother. Balancing family and job, from dipping chocolates at Cummings to processing turkeys at Utah Poultry (she was proud that she was so physically strong they promoted her to cutting the turkey legs, a job usually reserved for men). She found her career at Becton Dickinson, working her way up to lead position and a traveling trainer, retiring in 1994. Her pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She instilled in them a value of education and a strong work ethic. She kept her Mexican heritage alive in the home with movies, music, history, language and folklore. Abuela always had carinos for her grandchildren and was proud of them. She was always there for her family, providing encouragement; help with rides, trips and care. She was happiest gathering her family for a Mexican dinner, she and Salvador would spend the entire day preparing the feast. Everyone loved making Christmas tamales in Alicia's kitchen. She loved teaching her family to make the traditional Mexican dishes, without recipes. Cooking these foods was so natural to her she did it by feel, touch and taste. Alicia was a member of the LDS church attending the Lucero ward, where she served as Cub Scout den mother and the secretary of the Primary. She had a strong faith. Alicia was always learning, she had a thirst for knowledge. She was also always busy, be it needlework, crossword puzzles, reading (especially her novellas), games, scrapbooks or a quick run to Wendover to make her fortune. She stayed abreast of politics and world events, and wasalways up for a spirited discussion. Alicia was a fighter, for family, friends and herself. She taught us life is precious and worth the fight. Dementia took her from us too early but she left us with memories and love. Special thanks to Carrington Court Assisted Living Staff and Mindy from Active Hospice Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with viewing prior at 9:30 at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Rd. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's Association. Place of Birth:Juarez, MexicoPlace of Death:South JordanHobbies:Her family,Basketball, Baseball and FootballOccupation:Homemaker