ENGLISH VERSION

Luisa Mabel Mendez, affectionately known to all as Mabel and to her cherished family as “Mamita,” passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 86 years old.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mabel carried her vibrant spirit, rich heritage, and fierce devotion to family wherever she went. In 1978, she and Alberto Mendez, Sr. made the brave journey to the United States to build a brighter future and provide better opportunities for their three children. Though she resided in Odessa, Florida, in her most recent years, Tampa was where she made her home and laid down deep roots for most of her life.

Mabel was a master craftswoman who worked as a professional seamstress for majority of her life. Her talent was unmatched; she possessed a rare, instinctual creativity, able to craft any garment entirely from memory and breathe new life into any damaged piece that crossed her sewing machine.

Beyond her remarkable work ethic—working endlessly and rarely taking a break—Mabel was the undeniable glue of her family. She was loving, supportive, and intensely feisty, with a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor that kept everyone smiling. Above all, Mabel simply adored life. She was always the first to jump at the chance for an adventure—whether it was a shopping trip, a party, a meal out, or any gathering with friends—she was perpetually ready to go. If you were her family or friend, she was your fiercest protector, and she made a grand, lasting impact on the life of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

A naturally social soul, Mabel was an active member of the local Argentinean Club, where she formed lifelong friendships. She expressed her love through the things that bring people together: music, dancing, lively conversations, gathering her loved ones, and feeding everyone who walked through her door. Mabel was a true fighter who overcame many health scares throughout her lifetime with grace and determination, showing her trademark resilience until the end.

She was preceded in death by her former husband of 35 years, Alberto Mendez, Sr. (who passed in July 2023), with whom she shared a lifetime of cherished family moments, deep mutual respect, and an enduring bond.

Her enduring legacy lives on through her surviving family: her three children, Andrea Dukes and her husband Robert, Alberto Mendez, Jr., and Veronica OShannon; her four beloved grandchildren, Devan Mendez, Christopher Fernandez, Shane OShannon, and Veronica Mendez; her cherished great-grandchild, Giovanni Cruz; her sister, Hilda Bernini; her nephew and Godson, Claudio; her sister-in-law, Niata, whom she loved like a sister; and her extended family in Argentina, including her nieces and nephews, who hold a deep love and gratitude for the immense impact she made on their lives.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to all the compassionate caregivers who lovingly cared for Mamita in her final years, with special thanks to Maria, Francisca, and the dedicated teams at Trinity Memory Care and Waverly Place. Your kindness and dedication brought immense comfort to her and our family.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Mabel’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM at:

Dobies Funeral Home
8825 Old County Road 54
New Port Richey, FL 34653

Family and friends are invited to attend this brief, one-hour service to share memories and pay their respects. In keeping with Mabel’s welcoming and comfortable spirit, casual and laid-back attire is welcome.

SPANISH VERSION

Luisa Mabel Mendez, cariñosamente conocida por todos como Mabel y por su adorada familia como “Mamita”, falleció en paz el 31 de julio de 2026, rodeada del amor de su familia. Tenía 86 años.

Nacida en Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mabel llevó consigo su espíritu vibrante, su rica herencia y su feroz devoción por la familia a dondequiera que fue. En 1978, ella y Alberto Mendez, Sr. realizaron el valiente viaje a los Estados Unidos para construir un futuro mejor y brindar mayores oportunidades a sus tres hijos. Aunque en sus últimos años residió en Odessa, Florida, fue en Tampa donde hizo su hogar y echó profundas raíces durante la mayor parte de su vida.

Mabel fue una maestra artesana que trabajó como costurera profesional durante la mayoria parte de su vida. Su talento no tenía igual; poseía una creatividad unica e instintiva, capaz de confeccionar cualquier prenda de vestir totalmente de memoria y de devolverle la vida a cualquier pieza dañada que pasara por su máquina de coser.

Más allá de su notable ética de trabajo —trabajando incansablemente y rara vez tomándose un descanso—, Mabel fue el pilar indiscutible que mantuvo unida a la familia. Era amorosa, servicial, enérgica y alegre, con un ingenio agudo y un maravilloso sentido del humor que le sacaba una sonrisa a cualquiera. Por encima de todo, Mabel amaba profundamente la vida. Siempre era la primera en apuntarse a cualquier plan —ya fuera salir de compras, ir a una fiesta, salir a comer o cualquier reunión—; ella siempre estaba lista para salir. Si eras su familiar o amigo, ella era tu protectora más feroz, y dejó un impacto enorme y perdurable en la vida de cada persona que tuvo el privilegio de conocerla.

De alma naturalmente sociable, Mabel fue una miembro activa del Club Argentino local, donde cultivó amistades para toda la vida. Expresaba su amor a través de las cosas que unen a las personas: la música, el baile, las conversaciones animadas, reunir a sus seres queridos y alimentar a todos los que cruzaban su puerta. Mabel fue una verdadera luchadora que superó muchas complicaciones de salud a lo largo de su vida con gracia y determinación, demostrando su firme fortaleza hasta el final.