Jose Mata

Jose G Mata, 93, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 27, 1930, to Jacinto Mata and Maria Santos Gallardo. He grew up in Cerritos, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. At the age of 16 he moved to Texas with his father and worked there picking cotton. He met his wife, Ines Alejos in Cerritos, San Luis Potosi and were happily married for 65 years. They had 7 daughters: Virginia, Maria, Ines, Margarita, Juana, Guadalupe and Esperanza. For 40 years, he worked as a farm worker picking lemons and oranges and 10 years as a janitor for Saticoy Lemon Association. He worked hard to make sure that his family was well taken care of.

He had a passion for helping people and proudly did so. In 1983, he became president of the homeowner’s association, La Colonia Santa Paula (El Campo). He worked with the City and County to build 128 homes for farm workers. For many years, he helped rebuild 3 churches located in Cerritos, SLP, Mexico. He organized fundraising events and kindly requested donations from his hometown friends.

He was very active in the Migrant Education Program and stressed the importance of education. He encouraged all his daughters and grandchildren to pursue an education and to work hard for their dreams.

He leaves behind his 7 daughters, 19 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ines Mata.