Rosa America Mendez, 75, Loved her rose garden, enjoyed dancing and cooking Spanish dishes

She was born March 3, 1928 in Utuado, Puerto Rico. She came to Lorain in 1952. She was a Lorain resident for 51 years.

Mrs. Mendez was employed as a housekeeper for Avon Oaks Nursing Home for 14 years retiring in 1981.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain. She loved her rose garden. She enjoyed dancing and listening to the music of Puerto Rico and cooking Spanish specialties.

Among the survivors is her husband of 56 years Francisco M. Montalvo, son Rafael Mendez of Lorain; daughters Olga Williams of Bryant, Arkansas, Maria Evelyn Mathess of Columbia Station and Enith Workman of Lorain, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandsons. She was preceded in death by and infant daughter, her parents and brother.

Friends may call Wednesday 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, Lorain, Ohio.

Funeral services will Thursday 8:45 AM with closing prayers in the funeral home followed by 9:30 AM Mass in Sacred heart Chapel 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.