Mary Helen (De Los Santos) Mata

Mary Helen De Los Santos Mata, age 86, of Richmond, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2026, with her family by her side. She has left us to go and serve the Lord in heaven. Helen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was the oldest of four daughters and was born in Bay City, Texas. She graduated from Bay City High School in May of 1958. She attended the University of St. Thomas with a major in elementary education and graduated in May of 1962. She also received her master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University during the summer of 1965. She started her teaching career in the HISD where she married Jesus Mata during her second year of teaching. In the summer of 1965, she and Jesus moved to Alief, Texas. She worked in education for 40 years and was an excellent elementary school teacher and administrator. She believed that every child could learn. She taught at over seven elementary schools in Alief. Her last role In Alief was the Director of the Parental Involvement Program which she created and is still in place at schools today. She retired from the position in 2002. Her students had so much love, appreciation, and loyalty for her. She was a positive, loving and giving person who touched countless lives in an incredibly positive way. Helen always felt that God blessed her, and she was never afraid to show her love with a hug for everyone. Helen leaves a legacy for her family, friends, and former students. She was honored to have a school named after her that opened its doors on August 16, 1999. Helen De Los Santos Mata Intermediate, a school that serves fifth and sixth graders, which helps bridge between the elementary and middle schools for its students. The school motto “Soaring to new heights” Working together provides the “wind beneath the wings” that enables Mighty Mata Eagles students to reach the heights of excellence. Helen is preceded in death by both of her parents, Justo and Lucia De Los Santos. She leaves her beloved husband, Jesus Mata; her wonderful daughters, Elaine Mata and Christy Mata Velez and her husband, Albert; her precious granddaughter, Allison Velez Flores and her husband, Manny; and her great grandson, Rome. Leaving fond memories for her sisters to cherish. Her sisters, Sue Zientek, late husband Marion, her late sister Jo Spurr, husband Jim, sister Isabella Vawters, and late husband Joe. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other family members and countless friends. The Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. John Fisher Catholic Church, 410 Clay Street in Richmond, Texas. At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Richmond, Texas. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy. 59 South at FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471. Phone: (281) 341-8800.

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Mary Helen (De Los Santos) Mata

November 5, 1939 - June 17, 2026