Maria Angeles Bello de Mendoza

Maria Angeles Bello de Mendoza (1945 - 2025)

Maria Angeles Bello de Mendoza, lovingly known as Angie, was born on March 2, 1945, in Zaragoza, Spain. Angie passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, in Iowa City at the University of Iowa, surrounded by her loved times. Maria was born to Mariano and Sebastiana Bello in Spain. She had four siblings, her only remaining brother, Mariano (Gloria), of Zaragoza, Spain. Her sisters, Juanita and Generosa, and brother, Jose, all preceded by Angie. 

In 1966, Angie married David “Dave” Mendoza in Zaragoza while Dave was serving in the United States Air Force. Their union was one of love and devotion, lasting 40 years until Dave’s passing in July 2008. Together, they built a life filled with meaningful moments and shared joy. While Dad and Mom were alive, they were blessed to have many experiences in various states, Illinois, Nevada, California, North Carolina, and Idaho with our family. They had three children, Michelle and her life partner (Damon) of Milan, Illinois. Felipe, who passed in 2021, (Francine), his wife of Pomona, California. Their youngest daughter, Maria (Shawn), her husband, of Nampa, Idaho. Angie was also blessed to have a bonus son, Roger Proksch, and his beloved late wife, (Kim) of Pace, Florida. Angie had eleven grandchildren: Ben, Joaquin, Daniel, Alexandra, Gina, Jackson, Savannah, Jacob, David, Michael, and Jacob and their spouses. She was blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren and one more on the way. Angie also had a great love for Dave's many siblings and thought of them as her own brothers and sisters. She was loved by many nieces and nephews and friends that became part of her family. 

Angie was a vibrant soul whose fiery spirit and unmistakable Spanish accent brought light and laughter to those around her. She had a passion for dancing and singing, often becoming the life of the party with her infectious energy and sense of humor. She loved all genres of music but loved listening to the music of her beloved country, Spain. Her ability to make others smile was a gift cherished by all who knew her.

Angie was a very hard worker and worked at Friendly Hills Country Club. She retired in 2001, after many years, to help care for her grandchildren. All of her grandchildren, brought true joy to her life along with Carlo Rossi!

Angie’s generous heart and unwavering commitment to those she cared about defined her life. She found true happiness in spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in heartfelt conversations that left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness, laughter, and ability to connect deeply with others will be remembered fondly.

One fond memory with Mom and Dad was our trip to Spain to visit our Tio Mariano, Tia Gloria, and cousins Sonia and Maria for the first time. May her memory bring smiles and comfort to all who loved her. You will be in our hearts forever, Mama. 

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on her Memory Wall at mvcremation.com.