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| Grace Matt |
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 Mrs. Grace “Jean” Matt, 93, of Boca Raton, Florida, entered into rest after a brief illness on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.
Grazia Giacinta Massaro was born in Edgewater, NJ on June 1, 1918, one of five children of Francesco and Maria (Masiello) Massaro. After graduating from Holy Angels Academy in Fort Lee, NJ, Jean attended Fordham University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry.
While working in the lab at French Hospital, Jean met her future husband in August 1940, John L. Matt, who was attending mortuary school in New York City. They were married on October 5, 1941. After John’s tour of duty, the couple worked in New York City until relocating to Utica in 1946 to work in the family business, Matt Funeral Home. Under their direction, the business was incorporated and relocated from Bleecker St. and Third Ave. to Mohawk and Rutger St. where it remains today. Together they served the families of East Utica for many years. John died on December 10, 2011.
Jean touched the lives of many through her work. Upon moving to Utica, she became a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church and joined the Mothers’ Guild which eventually became the St. Anne’s Society in 1962. There she met her many friends, particularly her beloved “Tringo Girls”. Together they devoted many hours to the betterment of the church. Jean became society president and held that position for several years. She was also involved in many other organizations such as The Broadacres Guild, The Utica Opera Guild, Daughters of Columbus, St. Elizabeth Guild, the Ladies of Utica Assembly, and the Adelaide Cairoli Lodge; she was on the board of directors of the Genetaska of Utica, a member of the Christ Child Society, the East Utica Senior Day Center, the Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute, and the Landmarks Society. One of Jean’s passions while living in Utica was organizing travel adventures to places such as the Canadian Shrines, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Florida. Jean also sold Mary Kay Cosmetics and was awarded Salesperson of the Year in her region.
Besides being devoted to her family, Jean was also passionate about her Catholic faith. She was particularly devoted to Padre Pio, St. Anthony, and Little Rose Ferron of Woonsocket, RI. In recent years, Jean often said that her job was to pray and strongly believed in the power of prayer.
After retiring in the late 1970’s from the funeral business, Jean joined her husband in Boca Raton, Florida. Never one to sit idle, Jean worked in Burdine’s Department Store, became a member of the Gold Coast Quilters’ Guild, and president of the Boca Lake’s Womens Club. In 1990, she met her adopted sons Peter Muller and Reiner Henn from Germany and enjoyed many years of friendship and traveling with them. Even into her 90’s, Jean remained vital and intelligent with an insatiable thirst for reading and prayer. Conversations with her were always poignant and reflected her unique sense of humor. She loved her “rest home”, Manor Care of Boca Raton, where she was treated like a queen and her caregivers lovingly referred to her as “Miss Grace”. She always appreciated and valued the wonderful care that she received during her 5 year stay there. Grace was president of the Manor Care Residents’ Council for 3 years, where she was able to continue her service to others.
Jean was beloved by all, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the beacon in their lives and her passing is a great loss that will always be felt. She is survived by her four beloved daughters and sons-in-law, Maria Elena and Joseph Zegarelli of Boca Raton, FL, Christine and Hans Bucheli of Aldie, VA, Elissa and David Pratt of Granby, CO, and Jeanine and Ted Kawryga of Dolgeville, NY; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Anthony and Kim Matt of Utica and John L. Matt, Jr. of Chadwicks; a stepson and his wife, John and Mary Whittle of Boxford, MA; grandchildren, Joseph and Michelle Zegarelli, Audra and Keith Van Dreason, Richard Southwick, Nico and Josh Schroeder, Anthony Matt III, Dominic Matt and Chelsea Dodson, Amanda and Brian Snyder, Brittany Matt, John L. Matt III, and Sarah and Derrick Spooner; great grandchildren, Sydney, Madison, Lexie, Sierra, Nickolas, Nicolas, Ruby Rose, Cameron, Zachary and Samantha; her brother and sister-in-law, Tony and Fran Massaro of Forked River, NJ; sister-in-law, Rose Matt of Saratoga Springs, NY; and also several nieces and nephews. She also leaves her dear friends, Jane Dziura, MaryJane Salatino, Danny LoConti, Peter Muller, and Reiner Henn. She was predeceased by her brother, Francis Massaro; two sisters, Rose Massaro and Marie Schroeder; and many of her beloved Tringo girls and many many friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., in Utica.
In memory of our mom and her devotion to “Little Rose” please consider donations to the "Little Rose" Ferron Foundation, 190 Park Hill Ave., Yonkers, NY 10705-1420. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
For directions to the funeral home, click the link above. |
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Message of Sympathy
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Jeanine,
We are so sorry to hear about your Mom. I can only imagine what you are going through being as close as you were to her. Please know that she will always be with you in your heart and in your memories. You & your family are in our prayers and let us know if there is anything we can do to help in any way.
Love,
Darlene & Michael Capron
Written by Darlene Capron
2012-05-24 10:58:29 AM
We are sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother, and mother in law. She was a woman of pure class always had a kind word for everyone. She was an asset to the business, as well as a woman of faith, may she once again lie down with your dad, we lost many fine people.
With our deepest sympathy. The Vellones
Written by Ricky& Mary Lou Vellone
2012-05-24 1:05:35 PM
To the Matt Family, We were
saddened to hear of Jean's
passing. Being we were from Utica, it wes a pleasure having lived across the street from her here in Florida. She was an inspiration to everyone. A wonderful lady. Our
deepest sympathy goes out to
all the family.
Written by Michael & Geraldine (Gerry) Bello
2012-05-24 1:44:44 PM
Dear Matt Family,
We are so saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved mother. Our hearts go out to you as you go through this sad time; Jean was such a wonderful friend and did so much for our community at Boca Lakes. She will not be forgotten.
Wishing you all strength.
Love and best wishes,
Shirley and Etta Lee Levenson
Written by Shirley and Etta Lee Levenson
2012-05-24 4:56:18 PM
My grandmother was a wonderful woman who epitomized what a matriarch should mean to her family. She was full of love, compassion, kindness and grace and was such an important person in the lives of her family and friends. Perhaps grandma's best gifts were her positive attitude, zest for life, willingness to help others and above all her contentment with our Lord's will for her life.
Through all her challenges in life, Grandma made the best of everything. She was an encouragement to us all and will continue to be for years to come.
I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to visit with her over the years with my wife and kids and am glad she was able to see our little pug Gracie before she was called home. She was so overjoyed that she had a namesake and we couldn't have picked a better person to name her after.
I'm thankful that I was given one last opportunity to see Grandma hours before she passed away and take comfort having held her hand and telling her that I loved her one last time.
I'm sorry for my mom,dad, sister,aunts,uncles and cousins for the loss of such a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. But, we all can take solace knowing that she's with our Heavenly Father now.
J
Written by Joe Zegarelli
2012-05-25 10:45:23 AM
The Matt family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of loss. Your mother was a pillar of the east side and Mt. Carmel and had many friendships there. By what I read she was a pillar in her last home Boca Raton as she probably will be in heaven.
Written by Bob Ollerenshaw
2012-05-25 11:52:05 AM
Your Mom was an truly an exceptional person. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed our two last visits at Manor Care in January and again before I left Florida for home in March. She will be missed by all of you and her many dear friend. You are all in my Thoughts and Prayers as is she. With my Deepest Sympathy for your Loss. Love Connie. Frank and Patricia
Written by Connie Inserra
2012-05-25 2:24:54 PM
Dear Christine, Hans, John and all the Matt family,
Accept my condolences for the loss of your beautiful Mom, Grace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
In Love and Friendship,
Anna and Emilia Di Fabio
Written by Anna Di Fabio
2012-05-25 4:52:52 PM
John and Family,
We're sorry for the loss of your Mom. Our prayers are with you and your family. May she rest in peace. Love Always, Deb and Bob.
Written by Debbie Barbero Bob Crouse
2012-05-25 9:16:23 AM
TO THE MATT FAMILY, YOU HAVE LOST A VIBRANT AND CARING WOMAN. MY MEMORIES OF HER ARE MANY, BECAUSE WITH HER WAS MT. CARMEL CHURCH; ALL THE SOCIETIES, AND THE WONDERFUL MEN AND WOMEN THAT HELPED BRING OUR CHURCH TO WHERE IT IS NOW.
MY DAUGHTER HAS FOND MEMORIES OF JEAN, SHE REMEMBERS HOW KIND AND THOUGHTFUL SHE WAS TO HER GRANDMOTHER.
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE, AND MAY GOD WATCH OVER ALL OF YOU; LOSING BOTH PARENTS IN A VERY SHORT TIME IS VERY EMOTIONAL.
Written by FIORA GRANDINETTA WILSON
2012-05-25 9:55:38 AM
Dearest Matt Family,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your wonderful mother. If I were asked to describe Jean Matt, the superlatives would be many. She was a loving and patient wife, a quintessential mother and grandmother,a devout Catholic, and a loving and caring friend. When you remember your mom, feel proud to know how many hearts she touched. I feel blessed and honored to have known such a great lady. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Love,
Francine
Written by Francine Giruzzi Daley
2012-05-26 12:38:57 PM
Our prayers and thoughts are with Grace and her entire family. God bless. Carlos and Monica Zumpano
Written by Carlos and Monica Zumpano
2012-05-26 6:15:07 PM
Dear Christine and Hans, and all of Gracie's family and relatives,I am sending you all my love and understanding in these moments of sorrow. Reading about Gracie's life made me think how lucky and blessed all of you are to have had her for all of these years as a loving pillar in your lives.
When the tears are gone, make the joyful Memories fill your thoughts.
All my love, Gloria and Phil.
Written by Gloria Ospina
2012-05-26 8:17:13 AM
Dear Tony, Kim & Maria Elena,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your
mom. She was a wonderful person and
devoted her life to the service of others.
She was an exemplary model of how
we should all live our lives. Please accept
my heartfelt sympathy.
Written by Theresa Cuda
2012-05-26 8:27:38 PM
Dear Maria Elena, Christine, Jeannine, Elisa, Tony and John, Jr., and families:
My sincere condolences on your Mom's passing. With it, an era that was very dear to me and my late wife Rose, has come to an end. I deeply regret that circumstances do not permit me being there with you and for you.
In the Old Testament,King David lost an infant son and said "I cannot bring him back but I can go to where he is." In the New Testament Jesus said "God is not the God of the dead but of the living for ALL LIVE unto Him." I pray that you will be comforted in these words.
Bern Zumpano and the Zumpano Families of Miami, FL.
Written by Bern Zumpano
2012-05-27 12:15:53 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Written by Joe and Jolene DiBrango
2012-05-27 5:06:51 PM
We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers in this time of need.
Written by George DiBrango and Family
2012-05-28 6:53:23 PM
Matt family My sympathy to your family in this time of loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May both your mom and dad rest in peace.
Richard and Teresa Blank
Written by Teresa Jabour-Blank
2012-05-30 11:13:31 AM
Dear Grace;
You did so much good on earth. Hope you are amply rewarded in Heaven.
My deepest sympathy to your children for their great loss of youe worldly ocompany
Written by Gabriel Phillips
2012-05-30 1:40:57 PM
Jeanine and family, Very Sorry for the loss of your mother and loved one. Sicerely, Bryan Crowe
Written by Bryan Crowe
2012-05-30 8:50:15 AM
Grace was a beautiful expression of life and love. Her passion and energy and brilliance was a gift to every one she met. I loved her well worn prayer book with all it's wonderful healing intentions. She had a direct line to God and a whole army of Saints. Now she is one with them. God bless you, Grace Matt. Thank you for your prayers, your laughter and your love.
My sincere sympathy to Jean's family.
Sandy Vernon
Written by Sandy Vernon
2012-05-31 11:26:23 PM
Tony, Kim and family:
I express my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Take care....
Dan
Written by Daniel Enea
2012-06-01 3:12:04 PM
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