Jessie Eleanor "Cha Cha" Mata

Jessie Eleanor Mata was born August 7, 1935, in Berkeley, California, to John and Eleanor (Archuleta) Mata. Jessie grew up and went to school in northern California, later coming to southern California. She passed away early Wednesday morning, February 11, 2015, in Whittier, California, at the age of 79.



During her working years, Jessie worked as a Lab Assistant for Tuftex Carpet Company. She also worked for many years as an accomplished seamstress. She made bathing suits for Cole of California and also did seamstress work on the side. In addition to her employment as a seamstress, Jessie enjoyed making costumes and other clothing items for family and friends.



Cha Cha, as she was affectionately known, enjoyed doing crafts, especially crochet. Many of her beautiful works are treasured by her family. Traveling was another passion of Jessies. Among her travels she visited South Africa, Europe and Mexico. A real sports enthusiast, she was an avid Lakers and Dodgers fan. Cha Cha is also respected for her ability to take on home repair and small construction projects around the house.



Her family will remember her as loving, kind, and full of life. In spite of lifes challenges, she remained positive and joyful, never speaking a bitter word. Cha Cha was a very loving person devoted to the needs of others. She found great joy in giving of herself in the service of others.



Survivors include her children, Ben (Catherine) Reloba, Ventura (Alice) Reloba, Michael (Maryhelen) Reloba, John Vito (Martha) Alvillar, Lenore (Ruben) Alvillar-Aguilar, Cynthia (Asghar Adelzadeh) Alvillar, and Arlene Mata; siblings, John, Manuel, Daniel and Lupe Mata; 19 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.



Viewing will take place from 1-2pm on Sunday, February 15, 2015, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, California. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 2pm. Private interment will take place at a later date at Green Acres Memorial Park in Bloomington, California.