Obituary of Helen Marie Mello

Helen M. Mello passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2012. Helen was 93. She was born October 20, 1918 in Orland, CA to Portuguese parents John M. Gracia and Margaret Coelho De Aguiar. She grew up in Gustine, CA, met and married Joe L. Mello, and raised their children. She was involved in many activities while a resident of Gustine. Helen volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, Brownie Troop Leader, Holy Ghost Altar Boy's Assistant, and the Gustine Elementary PTA, where she served as a Past President. After her husband, Joe, retired from the dairy business, the family moved to Santa Cruz, CA. Helen was very civic minded and a member of both woman's and community organizations including U.P.P.E.C., S.P.R.S.I., Catholic Daughters of America, Rose Marie Guild, Santa Cruz Organ Club, the Native Daughters of the Golden West, and the American Red Cross. Helen is survived by her two daughters and sons in-law; Gerry Rodman (Bill) of Santa Cruz, and Pat Garcia (Manuel) of Prunedale, CA. She also leaves nine grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe L. Mello. Her son Joseph R. Mello, of Gustine; her sisters Angie Rich of Gallatin, Tennessee, and Mary Sparrow of Cove, Arkansas, also have preceded her in death. A mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 24, 2012, 11 a.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Ave in Capitola, California. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2271 7th Ave. in Santa Cruz, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Joe. A reception will follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Hall, immediately following the cemetery service. We would like to thank Dr. Clayton Mc Daniel and the staff at Country Villa for their care of our mother. If you would like to offer condolences to Helen's family and share you memories please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com and light a candle. In lieu of flowers, any kind acts of charity may be made in Helen's name to the American Red Cross, Santa Cruz Chapter, (2960 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA. 95062) or to a charity of your choice.