June Mendoza AO, OBE, RP, FROI, HonSWA

It is with heavy heart and great sadness that we inform you of the peaceful passing away of our dear and loving June Mendoza AO, OBE, RP, FROI, HonSWA.

June was a force of life, having an illustrious career spanning eight decades. A true artist and an ambassador of the institute. She was still driving, handling commissions and living life to the fullest.

June would have been 100 on June 12th this month. She had just been elected a Fellow of the ROI on which she wrote to ROI President Adebanji Alade on the 30th of April:

Voting me a Fellow of our illustrious Society. I am really chuffed. First, my heartfelt thanks to one and all for apparently unanimously voting me a Fellow of our illustrious Society.

 

I am really chuffed. Thank you.

 

June Mendoza AO, OBE, RP, FROI, HonSWA

David Curtis FROI RSMA asked to share this tribute to June

It Is with profound sadness that we hear of the passing of a revered member of the Institute. Her artistic prowess has been recognised with numerous awards over the years. Quite recently, she was honoured with a Fellowship of the ROI, achieving this just short of her 100th birthday… it pleased her greatly.

 

June was a firm advocate of painting her subjects `from life`, rarely resorting to any photographic reference. Her abiding principle was one had to fully engage in conversation with the sitter to achieve the character and personality she wished to convey. The only silences were when she met with a particularly difficult passage in the painting!

 

Of all her associations, she was especially fond of her ROI membership and served on council for many years. Her wisdom, experience and advice was always much appreciated.

 

Here was a long, creative life, beautifully and serenely lived to full extent. She is sorely missed by all members of the ROI.

 

David Curtis FROI RSMA

June was a true inspiration to us all and we send our sincere condolences to her family.