Matilda C. Gaytan

Matilda C. Gaytan was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Matilda was born on March 14, 1930 in Wharton, Texas. She was the daughter of Lorenzo Rodriguez Cisneros and Hortencia Trevino. Matilda grew up in Texas.

Matilda was raised with two brothers. She had two older brothers, Jesse and Lawrence. Matilda was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Matilda enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Later in life, she became friends with Gloria, Elojia, Nena and Rosa.

On October 30, 1976 Matilda exchanged wedding vows with Jose Leonel Gaytan at Guadalupe Chapel of Los Angeles, California. Empathic and loyal, Matilda was committed to making her new family happy.

Matilda worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Matilda was blessed with six children, four daughters, Sylvia, Margaret, Patricia and Linda and two sons, Pedro Jr. and Michael. Another blessing for Matilda was the gift of eighteen grandchildren, Christina, Hector Jr, Alyce, Regina, Jessica, Roxanne, Ashley, Steven, Yamilette, Ernie, Thomas Jr, Anthony, Gabriel, Yolanda, Desiree, Armida, Ricky and Andy.

Fortunately, Matilda enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Matilda worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was certified nursing assistant. She was employed for 33 years with L A County General Hospital and John Wesley Hospital. Matilda always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Matilda enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were playing dominoes. She loved to go dancing and hear Spanish music. She like to have a few cold ones while listening to the song "La Culebra" by Banda Machos O El Grupo Bronco con el vocalista Guadalupe Esparza. Her favorite dessert was Lemon Meringue, favorite food was enchiladas rojas de queso. Her favorite drinks were Natural Light Beer and Mimosas. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Matilda found pleasure in sports. Matilda was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list were soccer - Las Chivas de Guadalajara "El Bofo".

Throughout her life, Matilda was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Matilda was a member of the high school band and played the Clarinet.

Matilda was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. Politically, Matilda was an active voting Democrat.

Matilda’s faith was important to her. She was a member St. Louis of France for 24 years.

Matilda enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, El Paraiso and the whole country of Mexico.

Matilda was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Lemon, a Cockatiel. They were best friends for 15 years and still living and still calling "Mama Tilly".

When Matilda’s retirement finally arrived in March 1, 1990, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in transporting her grandchildren to and from school and shopping. Even in retirement, Matilda continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Matilda was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Matilda passed away on September 8, 2010 at Kaiser Hospital in Baldwin Park, California. She is survived by her husband Jose, her daughters Sylvia, Margaret and Linda, her 18 grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and 2 additional great-grandchildren due in Nov 2010 and Jan 2011. Services were held at St. Louis of France Catholic Church in La Puente, California. Matilda was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, California.

Simply stated, Matilda was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Matilda leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Matilda C. Gaytan.