Helen G. Mate, 83, died Wednesday, Nov. 10.

She was born and raised in Oakdale.

Mrs. Mate was a full time mother, who, with her husband worked very hard to care for and raise their family. Her greatest passion in life was her family, but she also loved to read from her large collection of books. She enjoyed hours of sketching with a pencil and ink.

Some jobs she held outside the home included two years as an Oakdale Police Department transportation matron for female prisoners, as a Spanish interpreter for Judge Verne Sawyer, and she also provided janitorial services for several years to locally-owned businesses.

She was greatly admired and loved by her family and long-time friends.

The family thanks her caregivers at Oak Valley Care Center and her physician.

She is survived by her children, Mike (Kathy) of Texas, Ronnie, Sr., Manny, Phyllis, all of Oakdale, Frankie of Iowa, Paulette (Chris) of Oregon, daughters-in-law, Diane of Waterford, Kathy of Patterson; brothers, Paul, Darrell, Adolphe, Willie; sisters, Dorothy, Sally; 15 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Phillip G. Mate; son, Anthony D. Mate; parents, Pablo and Michaela Garcia; brothers, David and Elmo; and sisters, Jenny, Refie, Rosie, and Connie.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, with the rosary at 6 p.m. A mass will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 19 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by one last drive by her house before being laid to rest at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to your favorite charity.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Nov. 17, 2010