Hilda Mata

Hilda C. Mata was called to her eternal rest on October 6, 2022.  She left this world suddenly but peacefully at age 65, leaving her husband, children, grandchildren, and siblings behind.

She was born to Jose M. and Isabel F. Cantu on August 30, 1957. After graduating from Alice High School in 1975, Hilda continued her education at Texas A&I University, Kingsville where she met her husband, Edward “Ed” Mata, Sr. Together, they made Kingsville their home. They raised two children (Edward Mata, Jr. and Robert “Bobby” Mata) and relished in every moment with their grandchildren they were given.

Hilda Mata was truly an incredible human being.  Not simply a wife, but a husband’s anchor. A son’s rock.  A grandchild’s happy place. A sister’s best friend.  A family’s heart and soul.

Hilda was the personification of selflessness, doting on her loved ones and worrying over their well-being above her own. Like a storybook grandmother, Hilda was gentle and kind, exuding warmth and leaving light in her wake.  She told stories over coffee and sweet bread and basked in the festivities surrounding every changing season. Though her overarching presence was sweet, Hilda was far from one dimensional. She was strong—unbelievably so. Assertive, decisive, and quick-witted, she brought a sense of tenacity to everything she did. She worked for 24 years until she retired at K.I.S.D. This bold, beautiful soul dedicated her life to her family and her faith, enriching the lives of everyone around her. She was a devout Catholic and an active member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kingsville where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector.

Among those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 44 years, Edward “Ed” Mata, Sr.; two sons, Edward (Laura) Mata Jr. and Robert James (Yvette) Mata; grandchildren, Aiden Emanuel Mata, Noah Andres Mata, Mila Isabela Mata, Romeo Mata, Joseph Tellez, Ezikiel James Mata, and Avery Joy Mata; siblings, Jesus (Margarita) Cantú, Irene Cantú, Gloria (R.D.) Riviera, Irma (Mark) Davis, and Jose Cantú.

The family will receive condolences on Friday, October 21, 2022, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM.  A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.