On February 16, 2022, we lost our beloved mother. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. She was 98 years old. Mother was born in San Fernando Valley to parents Pedro and Micaela Vaca included in the family. Brothers: Mike, Peter, Maclovio, Sisters: Abagail, Cuca, Katie, Monchie and Olivia. Our mother was married to our dad, Miguel L. Mata, for 45 years before his passing.
Mom was preceded in death by her Sons: Joseph Mata, Richard Mata, and Peter Mata.
She is survived by her daughers: Micaela Mata and Belen Mata, Sons: Leonard (Hope) Tony Mata and Henry (Mary) Mata. Brother: Peter Vaca, and Sister: Olivia Vaca
Her longtime friend and dancing partner of 31 years, Lupe Perez.
Grandchildren: Tony Mata, Jolene Mata
Mother dedicated most of her years taking care of her grandchildren:
Teresa Atz, Donnie Atz (Cassie )Leonard Mata Jr., Denise Lerma (Louie), Jessieka Mata (Will), Lissa Mata (Deceased) Sandera Mata (Ruben), Damien Mata, Anna, Raquel Mata (Lawrence) Richard Mata Jr. (Bernice), Michael Mata (Yuliana) Jule Ruge, Joey Ruge (Heidi) Jeanette Marin, Chanda Stockton (Patrick) Christina Mata, Katherine Schott (Glenn) Joseph Mata (Felicia) Peter Mata Jr. (Cindy) Matthew Mata, Marc Mata (Violeta) Jeanette Mata.
Great Grandchildren 70
Great Great Grandchild 32
Our mother's parents passed away at a very young age, leaving behind a family of eight. Mike, her brother, being the oldest, took on most of the responsibility of keeping the family together; sadly he too, died at a young age, leaving behind his siblings. The family struggled to survive, relying on each other to make it through and not be separated.
Mother's courage and her faith to trust in God's will is instilled in all of her family.
Dancing was one of our mother's favorite past time. God granted her wish, to dance among the stars forever..
