Obituary of Matilda Arriazola Padilla

Matilda Arriazola Padilla, born October 14, 1965, in Houston, Texas to Luis and Mary Arriazola passed away on May 28, 2023, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her mother, Mary Arriazola; her partner, Dr. Paul Gee; former spouse, Robert Padilla, Sr.; her children, Robert Padilla, Jr. and spouse Joyous Padilla, Alfie Padilla and spouse, Jude Perez, Frances Dickerson and her spouse, Zachary Dickerson; and her grandchildren, Robert Padilla III and Jasmyn Padilla.

She is also survived by her brother, Louis Arriazola III and sister, Nancy Santana, along with a large and loving group of family and friends.

Matilda loved to travel the world and visit her children and grandchildren, along with any other family and friends who were happy to share a meal with her. She frequently went on cruises and took road trips across North America throughout her life. Matilda was known for crocheting everything from hats and scarves to headbands and belts. Most famously, she crocheted blankets for her children, grandchildren, and as many relatives and friends as possible.

As a devoted lover of the arts, she enjoyed supporting local bands and artists and would attend local concerts and art galleries frequently. She was passionate about human rights including Latin American equality, justice for the families of murder victims, genocide prevention, and most notably, the LGBT movement, for which she dedicated her career to helping HIV/AIDS patients navigate their medical and personal journeys. Of all the causes she supported, people she helped, and hobbies she adored, she loved above all being a mother.

A memorial service for Matilda will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Covenant Church, 4949 Caroline Street in Houston, Texas.

Her children have requested everyone to wear something purple to honor her devotion to music icon, PRINCE.

Donations in her honor may be made to DonateLifeTexas.org or MECA-Houston.org.