Valerie Rosemunde Mendez, a resident of Pacific Palisades since 1978, passed away on March 15.’She was 62 years old.’ ‘ At the memorial service at Corpus Christi Church celebrating Valerie’s amazing life, her son Rob described his mother perfectly: ‘It is hard to know where to begin when describing what an extraordinary human being she was. She had such an abundance of wonderful qualities, and it was those qualities that drew us all to her. Beautiful inside and out, intelligent, thoughtful, sophisticated, spiritual, and so full of grace, she appeared to almost float about like some kind of Earth-bound angel.’Radiating elegance everywhere she went, she was a truly classy lady.” Valerie was the best mother one could ever imagine. She had a wonderful calming presence for those who knew her and was full of compassion and tenderness. She was also an extremely talented artist who throughout life shared her gifts to enrich the lives of others.’ ‘ Born in Maryland on April 18, 1947, Valerie relocated with her family to Belmont Shore, California, where she spent her childhood years. Shortly after graduating from Loyola Marymount University, Valerie met her future husband, Dr. Robert Mendez, and they married in 1973. Five years later they moved to the Huntington Palisades, where they raised their three children, Danielle, Rob and Alexandra.’ Whether traveling the globe, or visiting their favorite local restaurants, Valerie and Robert did it together for 40 years. Theirs was the kind of love that people search for all their lives.’ Valerie dedicated her time and energy to many important organizations and causes, especially the group that Dr. Robert Mendez and his twin brother, Raphael, founded in 1984.’The two renowned kidney-transplant surgeons created the National Institute of Transplantation, in affiliation with the USC School of Medicine, to advance the science and practice of organ transplantation. Valerie then went to work, with all her energy and creativity, to form the institute’s support group, Miracle Works.’Known for its unique fundraisers, Miracle Works has raised millions of dollars to support the NIT’s mission.’ Valerie was a well-respected abstract artist who painted in mixed media. Always creating thought-provoking canvases, she was a featured artist at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (in the Art Rental and Sales Gallery) and a long-time member of the TAG Gallery in Bergamot Station.’In true Valerie style, she created an annual juried art show for TAG: the California Open. The Mendez family invites the community to celebrate her final exhibit at the TAG Gallery at Bergamot Station from April 27 through May 30, with an opening reception on May 8.’ ‘ When Monsignor Kidney arrived at Corpus Christi Church in 1999, Valerie saw an opportunity to combine her artistic talent and her spirituality to enrich the lives of the parish community.’With Fr. Kidney’s permission, she created a group called the Annas, whose purpose was to beautify the church sanctuary through the interpretation of the liturgy.’She traveled the country, visiting cathedrals and attending seminars to gather ideas and information.’With the help of the Annas, the sanctuary was transformed with Valerie’s large-scale works of art: 60-ft. hand-painted fabric angels, hand-painted gothic lettered altar cloths, Calderesque mobiles with origami birds of prayer, and more.’Her vision helped the viewer translate the deeper meaning of God’s words through the environment of the Church. She also later created WINGS (Women in God’s Spirit). Valerie is survived by her husband, Dr. Robert Mendez; daughters Danielle Mendez of Bakersfield and Alexandra Clark (husband Christopher) of Pacific Palisades; son Robert (wife Clary) of Malibu; grandchildren Dylan, Sasha and Jasper; her father Victor Nielsen; stepfather Herb Geopforth; step-mother Mary-Lou Nielsen; sister Suzanne Geopforth; and brother David Geopforth. Her mother passed away in January. Memorial donations can be sent to: The Mendez Family Charitable Foundation, care of Cramer and Tynan, LLP, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 150, Los Angeles, CA 90025.’ As Valerie’s son so eloquently said, ‘All of us here are better people from having her in our lives, and we will always cherish the memories we have of her.’She and her love will live on in our hearts forever.’ Happy birthday, Valerie’We love you.
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