June Marie Mendonca

June Mendonca, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2023, at the age of 95. A native and life-long resident of Sebastopol, CA, June was born on June 24, 1927, to Mary and Joseph DeKleva. Along with her two older brothers, Joey and Rudy, June spent her youth growing up on a small ranch in south Sebastopol. After graduating from Analy High School in 1945, she was immediately hired as the Principal’s Secretary. June loved her job at Analy and always cherished the friendships she made with the teachers, staff and students. After her girls were older, she worked at the Gravenstein Union School District.

In 1950, June married George Mendonca, also a life -long resident of Sebastopol. They raised their family in the home George built and had a marriage filled with love and respect. They were married for 52 years at the time of George’s passing in 2002. May they now be eternally united in everlasting life.

June was an amazing wife and mother. She demonstrated kindness, caring and generosity in everything she did. An incredible cook and baker, she shared her delicious canned goods and bakery treats which were enjoyed by all. She celebrated her heritage by regularly baking Austrian potica and various fruit strudels and could whip up a Gravenstein Apple pie in minutes!

Always ready to lend a hand, mom volunteered as room mother and class chaperone for her daughters’ classes. June is a life member of St. Sebastian’s Young Ladies Institute (YLI) and a member of the VFW Auxiliary.

June is survived by her daughters Karen Mendonca (Clay Serrahn) of Moraga and Julie Mendonca of Novato. We want to thank Providence Hospice for their caring ways, kindness and support during this transition. Her absence leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew her, but her legacy lives on in the lessons she taught us and in the kind and generous way she lived each day.

Visitation begin at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 28,2023 at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church, 7983 Covert Ln., Sebastopol, CA. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am at St. Sebastian’s.  Entombment will be private at Sebastopol Memorial Lawn.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Providence Hospice Sonoma County, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA 94952, the VFW Post 3919, 282 High Street #100a, Sebastopol, CA 95472, or a charity of your choice.