Orphia Lee Real

APR 18, 1929 - JUN 5, 2012

Life began with waking up and loving my Mother's face.

Orphia Lee was born in Brunswick, Nebraska on April 18, 1929.

She moved to California in her early years. It was in Modesto, Orphia started her family. If someone's laughing eyes and sparkling smile could light up a room, it was yours, Mom. Orphia was a 'farm girl'. She loved Mother Earth. Always telling us the earth was our friend. Her gardening skills were extraordinary. We'd have an abundance of fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season. How we are going to miss those freshly picked tomatoes that made the most magnificent sandwiches. We would can preserves for our morning toast.

Orphia loved fishing. Weekends would find her sitting on a river bank with her cup of coffee by her side. Her sport of choice was baseball where the Oakland A's was her team. When the A's won the three champions, boy was she excited! She even played softball with the family.

Mom loved her animals. There is not a time any of us can remember that there wasn't a pet to be had. Chickens, Rabbits, puppies and kittens were part of our everyday life. Her best buddy, Buttons, her loving dog was always on her lap.

Orphia was employed with Tri Valley Growers for 40 years. Orphia loved this time of the year. She would wake up early to be able to socialize with her friends before the workday started. After the season, it didn't stop there. There were the luncheons where gifts were exchanged for birthdays and Christmas. Orphia was active in the Brownies, Girl Scouts and Boy Scout organizations. She was the "bake sale" queen of her time. It seemed there wasn't a time we weren't carting cakes and cookies to the next fund raiser.

So as you sleep Mama, in the cradle of the Lord,

I am reassured of God's promises in His Holy Word.

I dream of the day when Heaven's gates open to receive me, and with your smiling face and loving eyes, reunited once again I will be.

Orphia is predeceased by her husband, Ceferino A. Real and son, Tony R. Tabalon, Jr. She is survived by her son, William Chris Real of Modesto and daughter, Dalee Tabalon-Johnson of Ceres. She has five grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Services will be Private.