SAN ANTONIO — The Puerto Rican Heritage Society, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in San Antonio, is mourning the loss of its founder and longtime member, Chely Mendez. She passed away at the age of 91, on Thursday, December 19, 2024 following a brief illness.
Chely founded the Puerto Rican Heritage Society, also known as Sociedad Herencia Puertorriqueña, in 1984. She was inspired by her children to start the non-profit in order to share the culture and traditions of Puerto Rico with the San Antonio community. Chely not only served as founder, but also as the non-profit’s first president. Her legacy within the organization includes founding a folkloric dance troupe, hosting cultural festivals and Puerto Rican performing artists, creating student scholarships, and partnering with the San Antonio Art Museum to host an exhibit of Santos figurines.
Chely was born in the small mountain town of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico on January 21, 1933 and was raised in the capital city of San Juan. Chely, who professionally studied ballet and folk dance styles, built a dance studio into her home, which became one of the largest dance schools in Puerto Rico. In 1952, she married Héctor Méndez and together they raised two children, Hector Enrique and Margarita. The family settled in San Antonio in July 1965. While in San Antonio, Chely’s love of dancing continued, and she also established a thriving home studio in the Alamo City.
Chely is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family will honor her life privately and will honor her wishes to spread her ashes in Puerto Rico. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Puerto Rican Heritage Society’s Héctor Méndez Scholarship, named in honor of her late husband. The scholarship provides financial support each year to graduating high school seniors who are of Puerto Rican descent. Those wanting to donate can do so online by visiting https://puerto-rican-heritage-society.square.site/ or by mailing a check to the following address:
Sociedad Herencia Puertorriqueña
P.O. Box 460206
San Antonio, TX 78246
Donations made to the Héctor Méndez Scholarship are tax-deductible.
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