Stella Meza Dominguez 93, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2022. Stella was
born to parents Luis Meza and Maria Renteria Meza on May 24, 1929, in Mexico City, Mexico. Stella first
came to the United States at fifteen as a high school boarding student attending Hollywood High in
California. She connected well with both her sister boarders and her teachers, enjoying this experience
immensely. After completing her boarding school experience and working in California on various
temporary visas, Stella married Daniel G. Dominguez in 1953. After their first child was born, Stella
applied for a permanent U.S. residency in 1954. Stella and Daniel had eight children together. One of
Stella’s proudest moments was when she was granted a full United Sates citizenship in 1962. Stella was
a skilled seamstress with a devoted following of clients accrued over the decades. She sewed casual
wear, formal wear, costumes, and wedding apparel -she could create anything imaginable! Stella was
also an avid gardener, filling her yard and house with all manner of plants, flowers, and fruit trees.
Stella’s grit, determination, and insight helped give the Alzheimer’s Association their early start in
Arizona; she volunteered tirelessly as well as testified on their behalf before the state legislature,
meeting with the state Governor and sharing her knowledge of Alzheimer’s and the role of a caregiver.
Stella’s many contributions to this organization were recognized with multiple volunteer awards. Stella’s
death was preceded by her husband in 1994 and her grandson in 2013. Stella is survived by her eight
children, 20 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. It was Stella’s strongest belief that she has gone
home to meet her Maker and be reunited with her loved ones.
A Memorial service will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery on October 15, 2022 at
12:00 noon with a reception following at 1:00 P.M. An interment of ashes will follow on October 17,
2022, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.