WESTBROOK — Vivian E. (Bowden) Mendoza, 73, of Westbrook, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Vivian was born in Portland on April 6, 1939 to the late Virgil and Aldona (Doucette) Bowden. She grew up in Portland, and attended school there. For many years, Vivian worked for Porteous, Mitchell & Braun Department Store and then H&R Block; however her greatest and most rewarding job was that of being a wife, mother and grandmother.

Family was the most important aspect of Vivian’s life. She loved the family parties and picnics, celebrating the holiday seasons together, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. Together with her husband Jose and daughters, they enjoyed traveling the world. From Hawaii, to the Philippines, and Vegas to Prince Edward Island, Vivian was able to see much of what life had to offer and cherish memories with close family and friends. Vivian loved to take photographs of all her adventures to share with everyone and loved to discover her family roots. She enjoyed playing Pokeno with her friends, and was a very active communicant of St. Anthony’s Church in Westbrook, always finding time to assist with church fairs, picnics and dances.

Vivian is survived by her loving husband of over 54 years, Jose S. Mendoza Jr. of Westbrook; their daughters, Bonnie Jensen of Falmouth, Brenda Caron of Windham, Karen Foster of Raymond and Tammy Gilman of Windham; nine grandchildren; soon to be great-granddaughter; a sister, Diane Bradley; and six brothers, Joe, Vernon, David, Morris, Larry and Terry.

A period of visitation for Vivian and her family will be held this Thursday, Feb. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. An 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, Feb. 22 at St. Anthony R.C. Church, 268 Brown Street, Westbrook. Committal services will be held in the spring of 2013.

In lieu of flowers, Vivian has requested to have memorials sent to: Cure Pancreatic Cancer, The Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714 (www.lustgarten.org)