Victoria Mendoza Avila

Victoria Mendoza Avila passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, at the age of 92.

Victoria was born on June 21, 1933, to her parents Jose Mendoza and Paz Mendoza in Westmorland, California. She was raised in Watsonville, California and married the love of her life, Ruben H. Avila.

She completed her education up to the 8th grade. She loved singing, dancing, playing Bingo, watching cartoons, sewing, crocheting, completing puzzles and crossword puzzles. Victoria ran for Queen in 1952 for the County of Santa Cruz and she became 1st runner up.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Ruben H. Avila, her parents, her sisters Manuela Tarazon and Margret Castro and her brother Louie Mendoza. 

She is survived by her children Gloria Martinez, Carmadean (Ernie) Hinojosa and Ruben (Sylvia Perez, fiancée) Avila; various nieces and nephews; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5-9 PM at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel. Graveside service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10 AM at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park. A memorial reception will proceed afterwards at Rancho Cerritos Mobile Home Park on 2121 Kralj Drive in Watsonville.