Aida Rafaela Dueñas

Aida Rafaela Mendoza Dueñas March 9, 1930 - July 1, 2021 Resident of Santa Clara Aida, 91, entered into eternal rest early on the morning of Thursday, July 1, 2021 in Santa Clara, CA. Born March 9, 1930 in McAllen, TX, Aida was preceded in death by her parents Manuel and Virginia (Garcia) Mendoza; her husband of twenty-five years, Ricardo A. Dueñas; her brothers David, Daniel, Noe, and Rene Mendoza, and sisters Delia Robledo, Dalia McDonald, and Ernestina Sanchez. Left to cherish her memory are her sisters Dora Peña and Elida Martinez. She will be deeply missed by her son Ricardo Dueñas and daughter Ixtlac Dueñas, who were her pride and joy, as well as by her daughter-in-law Janet Dueñas and son-in-law William Chester. A loving abuela, her grandchildren Angelique Dueñas, Rick Dueñas, Avianca Dueñas, Trinity Chester, and Bode Chester will miss her tender heart and loving embrace. She is also survived by a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends. Aida began working at the young age of ten selling tickets and popcorn at a movie theatre, and then held retail positions at department stores. She lived in the Bay Area for the past 62 years, mostly in Santa Clara, CA. She retired at the age of 72 from Analog Devices as a mark and pack operator of integrated circuits. She loved to dance, listen to music, and spend time with her family and friends. She will be remembered as a woman of incredible faith, strength, courage, love, and self-sacrifice. Her family and friends will deeply miss her joyous spirit and radiant smile. A private family burial service took place on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Mission City Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent De Paul, St. Catherine of Alexandria Church's Outreach Ministries at https://stca.org/ways-to-give-1 or to St. Justin Parish Community at https://www.myowngiving.com/QuickGive.aspx. Published by The Mercury News on Jul. 25, 2021.