After a life filled with adventures in faraway places, Marie M. Shoemaker passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024, in the same Manteca home on Maple Avenue where she was born on March 6, 1925. She was 99 years old.  As the fourth of six children born to late John A. Mendosa and Mary E. Mendosa, Marie was predeceased by her husband, Jack D. Shoemaker, and her five siblings: Larry Gomes Mendosa, Genevieve M. Heastrup, Dorothy E. Reynolds, John A. Mendosa Jr, and Lucille E. Harris.

   Following her graduation from Manteca High School in 1942, Marie lived in Stockton, California, where she took business courses and secured a job at the Stockton Record. During her 19 years at The Record, Marie instituted the role of research librarian, establishing a comprehensive reference library for news articles and photos.  In the 1960s and 1970s, business opportunities led the Shoemakers to relocate in distant locales, including Champaign, (Illinois), San Juan, (Puerto Rico), and Gold Beach, (Oregon). During their long and happy marriage, Marie and her husband also visited Europe, Russia, South America, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands. Throughout her life, Marie maintained close ties with her friends in other states and countries.

   Marie was an active volunteer at Manteca Public Library and Manteca Historical Museum, where she provided valuable assistance well into her 90s. She also supported numerous programs promoting public health and education, including service as a volunteer aide in special education classes. She was a dedicated advocate for animal welfare.

   Burial will be private, but an informal Celebration of Life will be held at 211 N. Maple Avenue in Manteca on Monday, July 8th, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to any of her favorite charities: the Friends of the Manteca Library; the Manteca Historical Society; or the Delta Humane Society & SPCA of SJ County.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, June 22, 2024