Papa Lee and Miss Leonora

Almost every visitor to Helene has met Mr. Lee Matute, known by all as "Papa Lee", and has all kinds of stories to tell about him. Early on when the Clinic was just getting underway, every Tuesday night we celebrated a trek to Bentley Bay to visit Mr. Lee and his wife, Miss Leonora. Jerry, their son-in-law who lives next door with his family, would bring out his guitar. We would sing several of Miss Leonora's favorite gospel choruses, after getting Miss Leonora out of bed and ensconced in an over stuffed chair on the porch. Anybody who stopped to visit Miss Leonora will remember , "If I'm climbing Jacob's ladder, don't you wave after me."

Miss Leonora was bed-bound for the next four years of her life, but she lived a life of thankfulness. "You know", she'd say, "I 've been in this bed for four years, but what a beautiful place to be! The sea, the ocean breezes, and the palm trees... and my family all around me."

Mr. Lee and Miss Leonora had fifteen children, and two of their daughters also had fifteen children each. At last count, the Matutes had 186 descendents, and they know there are more that they have not accounted for.

Recently, Papa Lee has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. At age 94, he is ready to go home to Jesus. and is at peace with whenever God takes him home. Mr. Lee is resting comfortably in Helene. His was a heritage of goodness in Helene and beyond. If you can remember, say a prayer for this dear man of God.