Mildred Mattiazzi

Mildred (Millie) Anita Craddock passed away on Aug. 8, 2012 in Eugene, Oregon. She was born Dec. 22, 1914 in Stirling City, CA to John and Anita Craddock. She had two sisters and a brother that preceded her in death. She used to tell us the story of her grandmother who came across the plains in a covered wagon. Millie grew up in Chico and graduated from Chico Senior High in 1933. She married Jim Mattiazzi in March 1936. He passed away in Dec. of 1986. She had two children, James Mattiazzi (Brenda, deceased) from Eugene, OR and Judi Lanford (Carl) from Visalia, CA. She worked at Diamond Match in her younger years and at Continental Nut, where she was recognized and awarded for her suggestions. She loved to write poetry and was published in the Chico Enterprise Record twice. Once when Chico Senior High was torn down and again when the Sir Hooker Oak fell. She had a book made of her poems. After years of being a wife and mother and with the passing of her husband, she took the world on and made a new life for herself. She did all the things she always wanted to do. She volunteered at the Senior Center and the Johnson Center, helping with the Echo newsletter and calling bingo among other things. She was a wonderful dancer and went to all the senior dances. She traveled to one of her favorite places, Niagra Falls. The mountains and the rivers were her place away from home. She was a member of Native Daughters and Eagles. She was an active leader in Camp Fire Girls. She leaves behind her son, James Mattiazzi; her daughter, Judi Lanford, and son-in-law, Carl who was her caregiver for the last 5 years of her life. Granddaughter, Alisa Mattiazzi; grandson, Jim Mattiazzi; granddaughter, Brenda Allen (Julius); grandson, Brent Lanford (Kathryn); great-granddaughter, Brenda Blake; great-grandson, David Blake; great-grandson, Houston Mattiazzi and Valintino Mattiazzi (deceased); great-great-grandsons, CJ Blake, Easton Mattiazzi; and great-great-granddaughters, Isabelle Blake, Elyse and Janelle Allen. Passing before her, was her cousin and best friend growing up, Harriett Mattiazzi. They grew up in the same house together and married brothers and were often together. Graveside services will be held at the Chico Cemetery on Mangrove Ave. on Friday, Aug. 31, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.