Helmi Mavis LaScala

July 26, 1932 - March 8, 2019

Helmi (Mae) LaScala, a 50-year resident of Apple Valley, was born in northern Minnesota on July 26, 1932, to parents Jacob Peterson and Elaine (Koskela) Peterson. She passed from this life to be with her Lord on March 8, 2019.

In 1949, Mae moved with her family from Minnesota to Fontana, California. After graduating from Chaffey High School in 1950, she met and married her husband, Joseph (Joe) LaScala in 1951. Together, they raised a family of four girls and two boys. In 1969, Mae and Joe moved to Apple Valley where they opened their first grocery store, Food King Market. They opened a second Food King Market in Colton, CA in 1971. In 1972, they sold their interest in Food King Markets to their business partner and ventured out on their own, subsequently opening Joe's Food Spot, Joe's Food Farm, Greg's Market, Anthony's Super IGA, and Anthony's Extra. In the mid-1970's, they also opened Papa Joe's drive-in hamburger stand in Lucerne Valley. Mae also worked for a short time as a telephone repair operator, and later was the main receptionist at the old County Government Offices building on 8th Street in Victorville. This building housed the local sheriff's station and jail, the County Supervisor's office, and was also home to the only courtroom in Victorville.

Mae was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Joseph; her parents, Jacob and Elaine Peterson; brothers Bill, Ruben, Arthur, Carlo, Arvo, and Neal Peterson; sisters Ethel Henderson (Dwight), Emily Peterson, and Ailie Barnes (Jim); and son-in-law Kurt Milson (Carol).

She is survived by her sister, Ruth Peavy (Eric) of Gig Harbor, WA; children, Linda Milson (Rick) of Oak Hills; Joseph LaScala (Janis) of Apple Valley; Carol Milson of Yucca Valley; Katherine Hert (Scott) of Lucerne Valley; Karen Shackelford (Don) of Victorville; and Gregory LaScala (Teresa) of Oak Hills; 19 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Tuesday, March 19, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 22130 Ottawa Road, Apple Valley, CA., Rev. James Harris officiating.

Graveside service and burial will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, March 21, at Green Acres Cemetery in Bloomington, CA.