Mary Helen (Ybarra) Mata

Helen Mata, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 22, 2026, at the age of 67.

Born June 2, 1958, in Uvalde, TX, Helen was the daughter of Porfilio Ybarra Jr. and Trinidad B Ybarra. She married her husband Bruno A Mata II on June 21, 1989. They later made their home in Goliad, TX, where she spent her last 30 years. Helen lived a life defined by love, strength, and selflessness. She was the kind of woman who made everyone feel at home. Her heart was always open, her hands were always helping, and her love reached far beyond her family. She was a caregiver in every sense of the word, always putting others before herself and offering comfort, wisdom, and unwavering support to anyone in need.

To know Helen was to know kindness, compassion, and grace. She devoted her life to caring for the people she loved, whether through a warm meal, a listening ear, gentle advice, or simply her comforting presence. She had a way of making others feel seen, safe, and deeply loved. Her family was her pride and joy, and she poured her whole heart into making sure they were cared for. She dedicated 42 years of her life to working for the school district, where her commitment, care, and impact touched countless students, families, and colleagues.

She is survived by her husband, Bruno A Mata II; daughter, Raydean Mata; grandchildren, Kash, Kai, and Cia; sisters, Julia Hernandez (David Hernandez Sr), Lou Carabajal (Elias Carabajal Jr), and Inez Balbuena (Jonathan Perez); along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Porfirio Ybarra; mother, Trinidad B Ybarra; and nephew, Elias Carabajal III.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that her love will live on in each of us. The lessons she taught, the sacrifices she made, and the love she gave so freely will never be forgotten. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, quiet strength, and a life beautifully lived in service to others.

Pallbearers are Daniel Hernandez, Adam Hernandez, David Hernandez, Isreal Hernandez, Rosco Balbuena and Stephen Balbuena.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held 4-7 pm, March 24, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Goliad. Rosary to begin at 7 pm. 

Visitation will be held 4-9 pm Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary 220 S. Getty, Uvalde, Texas 78801. Rosary will begin at 7 pm.

Mass will be 10 am Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 408 Fort Clark Rd. Uvalde, Texas.  Interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery, 527 N. Lovers Lane, Uvalde, Texas.

You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.massey.com

Services entrusted to Massey Funeral Home of Yorktown, Tx and Rushing-Estes- Knowles Mortuary of Uvalde, Tx.

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