Alicia Theresa Mata, also known as "Chicha," was born in Fresno, CA on November 6, 1977 to Frances and Joe Mata. She was the second of two daughters, Stephanie is her older sister. They lived in Fresno until Alicia was 4 years old and then the family moved to Caruthers. This is where she grew up and enjoyed living the country life. She has always loved being outside in nature, she has always been creative. Making mud pies, painting rocks, playing in the garden, catching butterflies, swimming, riding ATV's and climbing anything that stood still.

Alicia attended Caruthers Elementary and High School and she graduated in 1996. During her school years, she played softball and took dance lessons. She loved to dance. She had been diagnosed with Lupus at age 16, but she did not let this stop her. She worked at various places and even spent some time helping people in the County PACT unit. Alicia found her joy in helping people in need.

Alicia met her future husband, Joe, when she was 18.Then their family grew. Joseph was born first, next was Xavier, then Viviana and finally J.J. Due to her illness, every pregnancy was a risk and their last three babies were preemies, but she was determined to have a big family. She took special care of herself during each pregnancy and all of the children have grown up strong and healthy.

Alicia loved to make memories with her family and she loved to travel. Going to the coast and the mountains were her favorites. She also loved to share stories that have been passed down through the generations and give life advice to the younger ones. She honored her uncles and aunts and she loved her extended family in her in-laws, her nieces and nephews, her cousins and their children, and their children. She also had a special place in her heart for the homeless and would secretly make care packages. Even when she didn't have much to give she would find a way to hand these out when she could. Always giving, always loving, and never asking for much.

Alicia and Joe Moran were married for 24 years. There were good times, and not-so-good times, but their love endured. As her illness progressed, it became harder for her to do things, but she sure tried. She wanted to be present whenever she could possibly be, and when she really wanted to do something, nothing could stop her. Her love of her family is what kept her going.

Alicia and Joe wanted a better future for their children. They wanted them to go further in education than they ever did. They nurtured each child's natural talent in the sports that they loved. Alicia was the proudest mother at every wrestling tournament, baseball game, football game, and softball game. With sacrifice and dedication, the three oldest children, Joseph, Xavier, and Viviana, have all made it to college. J.J. is only in the sixth grade, but he will be in college someday too. She was so proud of each and every one of her children. She will always be with them and watching over each one of them.

Over the past 12 years, the illness really took a toll on her body. Even though she wanted to keep going, she was getting tired. Heart surgery, kidney cancer, blood clots, stroke, countless hospital and doctor visits, and so many other things was more than one person should bear. Then came her grandbaby! About 2 years ago, Joseph Ace Mata III, came into this world and brought a renewed joy into her life. Alicia had always wanted to be a grandmother and this helped her to hang on just a little bit longer.

About a year ago, Alicia made the choice to enter into hospice at home with her family. She knew what was coming and she did her best to prepare everyone. She was always thinking of others first. Her mother, her husband, her sons and her daughter all gave whatever time they could to make Alicia comfortable and care for her. Xavier and his girlfriend Lilly, moved back home to help with the 24 hour care after her stroke. Alicia had the best caretakers (her family) and she appreciated how no one ever made her feel like she was burden.

Alicia is survived by her husband, Juan "Joe" Moran Jr., her sons, Joseph Fermin Mata II, Xavier Noel Moran, and Juan Jose "J.J." Moran III, her one and only daughter, Viviana Moran and her grandson, Joseph Ace Mata III. Also, her mother, Frances Mata, and sister and brother-in-law, Stephanie and Jim Huerta. Her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Alma and Juan Moran Sr., and her brother-in-law, Oscar. There are also countless, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and family friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Joe Mata, and her niece, Victoria Nicole Huerta, and more recently her grandmother, Frances Martinez, and aunt, Terry Aguilar. Alicia's legacy and the legacy of all those who have gone before her will live on in the hearts of those that they leave behind.

We would like to thank everyone who has shown our family love, kindness, and support. We would also like to include a special thank you to Bristol Hospice for the love and care you provided during this time and Valley Children's Hospital NICU for the care that you provided to the children many years ago.