| Continuing a tradition started in 1951, the Mexican Mother of the Year Association has selected Estella Mata Melendez of St. Benedict Church, Montebello, as the 56th honoree of the award in recognition of her countless years of service to her church and community.
The event will be held May 13 at St. Mary Church, Boyle Heights. Salesian Father Joseph Farias will preside at the 11 a.m. Mass, with reception and luncheon to follow in the parish hall.
Melendez' commitment to service began at age eight when her father Jose suddenly died and she took on the role of head of the family. As the family struggled, she was able to attend the Mother Cabrini School for Girls in Burbank and then secured work in various stores to help support the family. During World War II she volunteered at the parish and in 1953 married Oscar Paul Melendez. They have three sons, Raul, Ronald and Danny who was born with Down's Syndrome and is cared for by his parents at home.
Since 1968 the Melendez family has lived in Montebello,
attending St. Benedict. Estella founded the parish group of
"Los Guadalupanos" who do social work and raise funds to assist
needy students. As a teacher's aide at Eastmont School, she
worked with children with special needs.
In addition to 25 years of service at St. Benedict, she served 14 years in the Montebello School district. The first Latina president of Catholic Daughters and honored by Catholic Charities for her volunteer work, she was recently recognized for her service to U.S. Hospitalized Veterans through her work with "Project Hope."
 The
tradition of honoring a Mexican Mother of the Year was started
by Consuelo de Bonzo, a pioneer in the business community
of Olvera Street. She was also the co-founder of the Franciscan
Guild who supported the Franciscan Missionary Sisters. For
many years the Guild helped the Sisters in supporting a home
for girls. The Mexican Mother of the Year Association is now
located at St. Mary Church and donations from this yearly
celebration help to support the parish.
For information: (323) 722-4275.
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