Lucia Hinojosa

Our grandmother, aunt, and mother Lucia entered the world on February 8th, 1930 in Nueces Texas. Her given name was Maria de la Luz Mendiola, but to make her life easier (and easier for others), she renamed herself Lucia and nearly everyone just called her Lucy.

She was the second of what would become a family of 10 children, 2 of whom would never reach their 4th birthday.

She met Jesse Hinojosa in 1953 and they were married in Texas and spent 50 years working together to make a life and raise a family, starting with 2 sons born there in Texas. Hearing of the land of great employment up North, they loaded up the family of four and moved to Racine, Wisconsin. There they had 2 more wonderful children.

One of the most life-changing events for the family occurred when Jesse Sr. was introduced to Bible truths in the early sixties. He studied diligently, and in less than a year he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Lucy was resistant because she felt her husband’s new religion was some form of communism, but she eventually accepted these Bible truths as her own, and became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses 2 years later.

The qualities of love and generosity were clearly shown in their lives; at one time or another the majority of Lucy’s siblings lived with her and her family. They also had the privilege of hosting one of the weekly meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses --what used to be called the book study-- in their home for most of their spiritual life in Racine. They were instrumental in forming the Spanish congregation in the city of Racine. Although this took her husband away from the family, Lucy never complained.

She helped a number of people to learn the same Bible truths she cherished . She encouraged 3 of her children to enjoy different avenues of full time service to their God, Jehovah, such as pioneering, Bethel service and seeing her eldest son take a neutral stand when called to military service.

Upon their arrival in Racine, Lucy worked as a cook/chef at a restaurant called the Golden Lantern. It is believed that this is where she learned the nuances of cooking, which led her to a love of cooking. And what an amazing cook she was, as attested to by her family and friends who had the good fortune of eating her meals.

She worked at the Wisconsin Southern Colony for over 15 years, while buying and selling houses on the side as investments. In the 1980’s, Lucy and Jesse moved to Texas to help with her youngest brother who had contracted terminal cancer. There, they became restaurant owners, which lasted approximately 6 years. After that, they became foster parents, and as a foster mom, or “Grandma” she was able to show love and compassion to over 20 children who passed through her doorway. During that time, they met and fell in love with one of their foster kids, a 1-lb preemie named Miranda, who they eventually adopted.

When Jesse, Sr. passed away in 2003, Lucy and Miranda moved back to Racine to be near her children. This is where she retired, spending her time enjoying the company of her family and her dog Lola. She passed away at home with her family by her side.

She is survived by her brother, Vicente (Lina) Mendiola, her son Jesse (Denise) Hinojosa, her daughter Grace (James) Stanger, and her daughter Miranda Hinojosa; grandchildren Arthur Jr (Julie) Hinojosa, Justin (Jolene) Hinojosa, Isaac (Cheri) Hinojosa, Stephanie Hinojosa, and Elliot (Melinda) Hinojosa, as well as seven great- grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Hinojosa Sr; her sons, Manuel and Arthur Hinojosa Sr., and siblings Carmen Guardiola, Bea Perez, Adone Mendiola, Mike Mendiola, Mercedes Mendiola, and Juan Mendiola.

Lucy had strong opinions on most things, and enjoyed many lively discussions. Her energy and spirit will be missed by family and friends

Funeral arrangements will be on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1600 Summerset Drive, Racine, WI 53406. Visitation: 3-4 pm Funeral Discourse: 4 pm

The service may viewed via Zoom

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Meeting ID: 882 3310 0680

Passcode: 282829