Esperanza Mendoza, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, age 63, was called home to be with The Lord on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, after months of battling cancer.

From a certified nurse assistant (CNA) with over 20 years of experience to everyone's "mama or grandma." Her love for the elderly was big, but her love for little ones was even more significant. She took courses in child development, signed up with daycare associated programs, went through state/city licensing, and more. Her business started with a handful of family members (nephews and nieces), friends of friends, and the public. She always strived to provide a loving and educational environment for her little ones. Parents noticed how happy their children were. With 21 plus years in the daycare business under her belt, she raised many children of various ages and different cultural backgrounds. They had left learning two languages and gained a great sense of love and affection. Esperanza held many admiring qualities. She immigrated from Mexico to California to create a better life for herself and her family. Esperanza aspired to aim high so that one day she could become her boss. She held a great responsibility and a valuable key to our future. She molded and influenced the next generations to come. Her sense of care and patience was the foundation of the learning element of these innocent minds. Her word of advice was, "to always take a chance on yourself because life is too short not to experience the opportunities, be your BEST version of YOU."

Esperanza was the second of nine siblings. She had a strong faith in God. She enjoyed prayer, reading her bible, and listening to worship music. Esperanza was a very active person. When she wasn't running around and playing with the children, she loved walking in the neighborhood and attending the gym. Intrigued by delicious food, her favorite dishes included beans, salsa, enchiladas, potato tacos, rice, etc. She was always loving, strong, selfless, humble, respectable, and more. It will never be an easy goodbye, but a see you later. Enjoy your vacation in heaven. She will be dearly missed by many, but the family will rejoice and cherish all the memories of her.

She is survived by her loving partner Sotero Ulteras; daughter, Maria G Ultreras; sons, Gregorio, Juan, and Angel Zepeda; stepson, Carlos; daughter in law Jessica and grandchildren, Annalicia, Arianna, and Angel Jr; parents Juan Mendoza and Martina Urena; sisters, Teresa, Edelmira, Irma, Patricia, Lorena; brothers Luis, Jose, Jose; and numerous nieces, nephews.

A celebration of life, service, and burial will be held Friday, November 13, 2020. Please contact Esperanza's children to get more information.