Lena Rose Mendez, age 88, died on Thursday, November 15, 2007. She was born in Lompoc, CA on June 28, 1919 to Joseph Cabral, Sr. and Maria Peters. Her mother passed away when Lena was very young and Joe then married Rose Domingos. They lived in the Jalama area where the family farmed and ranched for many years. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Pete Cabral and Joe Cabral, Jr.

Lena married Henry Joseph Mendez on February 19, 1938. She is survived by her son Leroy Mendes of Oceanside and son and daughter-in-law Larry and Lyla Mendez of Lompoc. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry in 1981, and her oldest son Henry in August of 2006.

Lena is survived by three grandchildren; Nanette Mendez lives in Pleasanton, CA, Lori Morss lives in Solvang, CA, and Larry Mendez and his wife Tammy reside in Lompoc, CA. She is also survived by three great-grandsons; Trevor and Austin (Lori's children), and Lawson Gregory Mendez (Larry, Jr. and Tammy's son), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lena's life revolved around her children and grandchildren. She was the most beautiful, loving mother anyone could ask for. She will be dearly missed by many extended family members and long-time friends.

She was a member of the Women's Community Club, Birthday Girls Club, and the Lompoc Pentecostal Association.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place on Monday, November 19, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Monsignor Fitzgerald officiating. Burial will follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.

Donations in Lena's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, Attn: Memorial Dept., 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, or to a charity of your choice.