Helen G. Mate

HELEN G. MATE Helen G. Mate, age 83, born and raised in Oakdale, California, passed away on November 10, 2010. She was a full time mother, who, along with her husband Phillip, worked very hard to care for and raise the Mates. Although her greatest passion in life was always family, she loved to read from her huge collection of books and enjoyed hours sketching with pencil and ink. The most memorable jobs outside the home were her two years as an Oakdale Police Department transportation matron for female prisoners, and as a Spanish interpreter for Judge Verne Sawyer. She also provided janitorial services for several years to locally owned businesses. Our mother was greatly admired and loved by her family and long-time friends. The family especially thanks her caregivers at Oak Valley Care Center and her physician. Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Phillip G. Mate, and her son, Anthony D. Mate, and is survived by her children, Mike (Kathy) of Texas, Ronnie, Sr. of Oakdale, Manny of Oakdale, Phyllis of Oakdale, Frankie of Iowa, Paulette (Chris) of Oregon, and her daughters-in-law, Diane of Waterford and Kathy of Patterson, also surviving are her grandchildren Jeff Michelle, Frankie, Michael, Lacey, Sabrina, Ronnie, Austin, Julie, Ryan, Thomas, Anthony, Jr., Jason, Sally, Derek, along with 20 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Pablo and Michaela Garcia, brothers David and Elmo, sisters Jenny, Refie, Rosie, Connie, and survived by her brothers Paul, Darrell, Adolphe, Willie and sisters Dorothy and Sally. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. with visitation from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2010, at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. A Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Friday, November 19, 2010, at 10.00 a.m., followed by one last drive by the house she so loved at 805 East G Street, before being laid to rest at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to your favorite charity. www.modbee.com/obituaries