July 9, 1969 - March 20, 2023
Our beloved Tess, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and dear friend left us peacefully, at home, in the arms of her loving husband Russ, early morning March 20th. For seven long years, she battled cancer with everything she had, and never once gave up. Her strength and bravery were an inspiration to all who knew her. She was the epitome of love, kindness, and selflessness, and her smile could light up even the darkest room.
Tess was born in the Philippines July 9, 1969, daughter of Leonardo and Magdalana Mendoza. Tess is survived by her husband Russ and children Isabella, Cooper, stepson Vincent and mother-in-law Jackie, siblings, Victoria Corpuz (Edgar), Junard Mendoza (Kelly), Irelda Mendoza (Ken), Cornelio Mendoza, and Evelyn Cruz (Herbert). Tess is also survived by loving nieces, nephews, cousins and many longtime friends.
Tess came to Canada from the Philippines in 1993 at the age of 23 and met Russ, the love of her life, in 1998 while living in Vancouver. They married in 2001 and had two children Isabella and Cooper. Her early career was as a Dental Assistant in North Vancouver. Tess and Russ moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2011, where they became the proud owners of Coast Builders, fulfilling a dream they worked hard to achieve.
Tess' family was her heartbeat. Russ, Isabella and Cooper were the center of her life. She was always striving to support her Mendoza family in the Philippines. She had a vision and dreams of bringing her family members to BC for a better future. She succeeded in assisting so many Mendoza's to follow in her footsteps and had plans to assist more.
Tess had a passion for gardening, In addition to running her Coast Builders Garden Centres, she especially loved vegetable gardening. Every summer, many friends and family members were gifted with a bounty of fresh vegetables from her personal gardens. She became known as our "Garden Angel!"
Tess left us far too early and will be missed by many. Mahal ka namin, paalam.
A Celebration of Life honoring Tess will be held at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden, 5941 Mason Road, Sechelt, on Sunday, April 30, 1pm-3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the BC Cancer Foundation at: https://bccancerfoundation.com/TessJones
