Opal “Mae” Lonsdale entered into heaven peacefully on Saturday, February 4, 2017 and her faith was so strong that she knew her salvation. She passed away at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, Ca. She was 92 years old, eight days from her 93rd birthday. Mae was born February 12, 1924. She lived the last 30 years in Oakdale, California, moved there from Concord, California after she and her husband Bill Lonsdale retired. Mae worked last at the former Liberty House retail store as personal director and assistant store manager. During World War II she was one of the “Rosie the Riveters”, helping build planes while her husband was a B17 pilot. Mae is preceded in passing by her husband; Bill Lonsdale was deceased in 2001 and brothers James Wilson, Herbert Wilson, Harry Wilson and nephew Paul Wilson. She is survived by her son, Gary Lonsdale, Oakdale, Calif., her daughter Patricia Perkins, Mississippi and stepson, William Lonsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona. Her brother Bill Wilson, sister-in-laws Anna Wilson and Catherine Wilson. She is survived by her nephews, Stan Wilson (Godson), Spencer Wilson, Marty Wilson, Craig Wilson and Carl Wilson. Her nieces, Christina Wilson, Penny Wilson, Mary Pruitt, Debbie Engle, Karen Wilson Bonner and Lisa Wilson Johnson. In addition one granddaughter Holly, grandsons Jeffrey and Randy, as well as numerous children of her nieces, nephews, granddaughter and grandsons. Mae was a proud member of the Saint Matthias Church in Oakdale. She truly loved her church and was a member over 30 years. Recently she was honored for serving 30 years with their Altar Guild. After their retirement Mae and Bill were very active as ombudsmen’s for several of the local care centers. On February 16, 2017 Mae will be interned at a private family service at Oaklawn Memorial Cemetery in Oakdale, next to her loving husband, Bill, and her loving Mother, Nellie Wilson. There will be a Celebration of Life at the Saint Matthias Church at 101 S. First Ave. Oakdale, California on February 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. and will be open to the public. The service will be conducted by Reverend John Roberts. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to St. Matthias Church at P.O. Box 26, Oakdale, Ca 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Feb. 15, 2017