Yvette Mendez

Yvette Mendez passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2025, at the age of 58, after a courageous 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Yvette was a devoted wife, a fiercely loving mother, and the heart of our family. Born in New York and raised in Bay Shore, she eventually settled in Ronkonkoma, where she spent over two decades raising her two sons, Christopher and Matthew, and building a life full of love, laughter, and memories that will live on forever. A true Queen, her strength and grace touched everyone around her.

Having met over 40 years ago, Yvette and her husband shared 38 years of a beautiful marriage and built a loving family together. Their bond was unwavering – he stood by her side through the hardest chapter of her life. He often said he learned so much from her. She had an unstoppable energy – none of us could ever keep up (but we certainly tried!).

Yvette was a dedicated court reporter for the Queens District Attorney’s Office for over 38 years. Even after her diagnosis, she kept working through treatment with the same strength and pride she brought to everything she did.

As committed as she was to her work, nothing brought her more pride or purpose than being a mother. She gave everything to her two boys, teaching them to be kind, to work hard, to never quit, and to strive for excellence in everything they do. Most of all, she showed up—for every game, every milestone, every moment that mattered.

Yvette had a big heart and an even bigger spirit. She was strong, funny, unfiltered, and completely one-of-a-kind. Sometimes described as “spicy,” she told it like it was, loved hard, and made sure those around her felt protected and cared for.

She leaves behind her husband, Manuel; her sons, Christopher and Matthew; her daughter-in-law, Samantha; her parents, Gilberto and Hazel; her siblings, Gilberto and Lissette; and countless loved ones who were lucky to be loved by her.

A wake will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd, from 4–8 PM at Branch Funeral Home in Smithtown. A burial will follow on Wednesday, June 4th, at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toward a memorial in honor of Yvette. Please contact us at cmtigers07@gmail.com to learn more about how to contribute.

She was a warrior, a protector, a Queen, and the most beautiful soul we knew and loved. She will be missed deeply, and her absence will be felt always—but the love she gave will stay with us forever.