Socorro Mendez, 88, of Galesburg, died Sunday, October 13, 2024, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center with her family at her bedside.
She was born May 13, 1936, in Torreon Coahuila, Mexico, the daughter of Pedro Mendez and Hipolita Cadillo. Growing up she had lived in McAllen, Texas, and was also a longtime resident of Cicero, Illinois. Socorro worked in the dietary department for over 20 years at Cook County Hospital before retiring. She then kept herself busy working for Fannie May for many years.
Socorro was a very dedicated, hard-working woman. She was a great provider, caretaker, and taught her family to be strong and independent. Socorro loved cooking and baking, some of her specialties being Jell-O molds and cheesecakes. Her cooking was the greatest, she could make something out of anything. Socorro will be remembered for always lending a helping hand and welcoming anyone who needed shelter and food. She was incredibly committed to her religion and faith. Socorro was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend and will be deeply missed.
Left to cherish her memory are two daughters: Maria Teresa Hernandez of Houston, Texas, and Pauline Muñoz of Brookfield, Illinois; one son, Alfredo (Leticia) Zamarripa of Galesburg; 19 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Victor Muñoz; two brothers: Refugio Mendez and Humberto Mendez; two sisters: Lorenza Tabares and Antonia M. Chavez; one grandson, Victor Muñoz II; one stepson, Juan Daniel Zamarripa.
Cremation will be accorded. No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
