Bruce Mazza
Marie was my grandmother and she was special light of joy from my childhood. She married my grandfather, Robert Tate, who retired at the Tate Hacienda in Valley Center. My fondest memories were the Thanksgiving holidays spent at the ranch with Grandad and Marie, my Mom and stepfather Bob and my brother John and I. As us kids spent visits driving tractors through the Avacado and Orange groves, picking oranges, wrestling Sam the Golden retriever and chasing lizards in the sun, Grandma Marie was always at the ready in the kitchen with treats and fresh squeezed orange juice. Marie’s New Jersey accent and humor were infectious; her practical attitude born from her upbringing and bootstrap confidence to look on the bright side reminded us to always look ahead. she gave the best hugs a kid could ask for and that continued all the way through the end. In June we were fortunate enough to see her at Crestview Manor. Although her hearing and sight had been curtailed at 95, every ounce of Marie’s enthusiasm, spunk and humor shown thorough. We will miss you dearly Marie and know that you are with Grandad in Heaven, drinking fresh squeezed OJ and enjoying a walk in the groves. Love, your grandson , Bruce.
