Matilde G. Cazares was a woman full of life, laughter, and a spirit that was fiercely independent. Born in Edinburg, Texas, Matilde moved to Gervais, Oregon, where she grew up and graduated from Gervais High School. It was there she met her high school sweetheart, the late Reynaldo L. Cazares. The two shared a beautiful life together, eventually settling in Woodburn, where they raised their four children and built a home rooted in family and tradition.

To know Matilde was to be fed by her. Her love language was spoken through her kitchen; she was famous for her baking and loved nothing more than sharing a homemade meal with those she held dear. When she wasn't busy with her legendary cooking or sewing, Matilde found joy in the simple things: tending to her plants, completing puzzles, shopping, or staying active at the gym.

Above all, Matilde's greatest passion was her family. She was a devoted mother to Joaquin, Angelica, Angelina, and Reynaldo II, and a doting grandmother to her seven grandchildren; Samuel, Damian, Victor, Yaretzi, Tatiyana, Jaylyn, and Eric Aziel. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate the vibrant, independent woman who taught us that the best way to show love is to share a piece of yourself—and perhaps a slice of something homemade.