Obituary of Elaine R. Mendez

Elaine R. Mendez, 75, of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away on January 14, 2019 at the Lutheran Care Center.  Elaine was born on November 6, 1943 in the Bronx, NY to John and Rita Socker.  When she was 15, she met and started dating Thomas J. Little.  Elaine and Tom were married four years later in June of 1963.  In 1964 they welcomed their daughter Mary-Kay and the following year a son, Thomas Jr.  Elaine and Tom later divorced, and she went on to raise her two children as a single parent with the help of her loving parents.  Elaine married Edwin Mendez in August of 1991.  Elaine worked as a secretary for many years, and then changed careers in her early 40’s to work at Hudson River Psychiatric Center as a Therapy Aide for the mentally ill.  Elaine retired from her job when her elderly father had a stroke.  When he passed away, Elaine went back to work as an office assistant for the DC Office for the Aging.  She loved her job at OFA and made many close friendships with the people she worked with.  Elaine was well known for her love of God, family, friends, and animals, especially cats.  Elaine often befriended the elderly and mentally challenged and helped them in whatever way she could.  Over the years Elaine rescued many cats and was foster mom to many kittens.  In 2015 Elaine was diagnosed with lung cancer and she fought the disease with courage and strong faith in God.  She never complained, even when she was very ill from the chemotherapy treatments.  She always gave God thanks for all her blessings.  When asked how she was doing, she would often reply, “I’m blessed and highly favored.”  The week before she passed away many of her loved ones traveled to be with her, which was an answer to her prayers.  Elaine is survived by her daughter Mary-Kay Fields and husband Garry; son Thomas J. Little and wife Kate; grandchildren Kristina Byrd; Indiana, Cole, Quinn, Brody, and Joseph Little; nieces Kristen Smith and Tracy Ziolek; sister-in-law Blanche Socker; grandnephews and niece Caleb, Jesse and Frannie Smith; and her 13 fur babies.  She was predeceased by her parents John and Rita Socker, her brother Kenneth Socker and her husband Edwin Mendez.  Elaine was truly loved by all who had the pleasure to know her and will be greatly missed.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on January 26, 2019 at St. Mary’s church in Poughkeepsie NY. Funeral Arrangements are being handled by the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com