Dr. Lida Kiamco Mendoza

Dr. Lida Kiamco Mendoza, 89 years old, who was a resident of Baton Rouge after moving from Metairie, LA passed away on December 3, 2023.

She was born in the Municipality of Borbon in the Province of Cebu, Philippines in October 1934 and she was the eldest of 5 sisters (Lilia, Lourdes, Farida and Aurora) who still share a very strong bond with one another.  She earned her medical degree at Southwest University Medical School during which she met her husband, Jose, who was also a physician in training.   They had a successful medical practice in the Philippines and started a family of four children when they moved to the United States in 1972.  She trained at Tulane Medical Center and practiced as a psychiatrist for over 30 years for the state of Louisiana working at East Louisiana Mental Health System, twenty years at Greenwell Springs Hospital and finishing at Capital Area Human Services District.  She was beloved by patients, colleagues, and employees and described as a sister or a second mother.  She had a special gift for finding the good qualities in people and making them feel good about themselves. 

She was a proud member and leader in APPLA (Association of Philippine Physicians of Louisiana and Gulf Coast) where she had served a term as secretary and later president.  She was also on the advisory board for Fil-Am Cares.

Her dad was a chemist, and her mother was an English teacher who valued education.  In turn, she valued education and impressed upon her children and grandchildren its importance.

She was a talented singer and pianist.  She loved to hit the high falsetto notes, particularly with Church and Christmas songs.

She lived her last few years in Baton Rouge being close to her children and adoring her grandchildren. She was devoted to her husband of 59 years, Jose, and was steadfast by his side the last few years of his life.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jose Jimenez Mendoza, and her parents, Zoilon and Lourdes Veloso Kiamco.

She is survived by her children Doug, Ike, Jackie and Jose and their spouses Kelli, Mark, John and Christy, and the grandchildren Ashley, Jonathan, Lane, Luke, and Clara.

The wake will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. in Baton Rouge on Wednesday December 13, 2023 from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  The funeral will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Dr. in Baton Rouge with viewing from 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm followed by the funeral mass starting at 4:00 pm.  There will be a reception at Resthaven Funeral Home after the mass.