Rosalinda Mendoza Taytayon

Rosalinda Mendoza Taytayon, age 89, of Watsonville, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family. She was born August 4, 1936 in Manila, Philippines and was the daughter of the late Leonora Torres.

Rosalinda was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years Eliseo T. Taytayon. Rosalinda is survived by her son Eliseo Taytayon II of Watsonville; daughters Elisa Klock (Jay) of Folsom, Erlinda Heebner (Richard) of Colorado Springs, CO, Stella Pirrung (Dan) of Lake Oswego, Oregon; six grandchildren Rosie (David) Leach, Eliseo Taytayon III, Bethanie Heebner, Alec Heebner, Ashley Pirrung, Ryan Pirrung; four great-grandchildren Mya, Marcus, Miles and Maxx Leach; two brothers Albert (Erlinda) and Gilbert (Remy) Mendoza.

Rosalinda was born on August 4, 1936 in Manila, Philippines. As a young woman, in the Philippines, she loved going to the cinema and was fascinated with America and American movie stars. She arrived in America at the age of 24. Her aunt Aladina was married to Encio Cawaling (Eliseo’s cousin) and introduced Rosalinda and Eliseo. They later married in 1959.

Rosalinda and her two younger brothers were raised by their mother who was a seamstress. Her life in the Philippines was challenging as her mom tried to earn a living to support the family. When Rosalinda arrived in the United States, she promised herself she would work hard and make a better life for her own family. Her hard work was mostly at night at the local cannery and then at home raising four children. Rosalinda worked for Green Giant Cannery for over thirty years before retiring in 1993 in order to spend more time with family.

Rosalinda and her husband were members of the Makato Civic League Association and Filipino Visayan Association. She was also a member of the Filipino Community of Watsonville.

After retirement, Rosalinda could be seen taking her daily walks near her home in Watsonville. Rosalinda and her late husband were known for hosting many family celebrations over the years. They loved to cook for family and family loved their cooking. They created many fond memories for those they loved. Her children will always remember the unconditional love, encouragement and support that she gave them.

The family would like to thank her loving caregiver Cindy Aguilar and Hospice of Santa Cruz County.

Service dates are pending.