Obituary of Helen Joanne Mattes

Mrs. H. Joanne Mattes, devoted wife of the late Rev. Anthony J. Mattes, beloved mother and friend and dedicated teacher passed away at home on December 11, 2015. Joanne is survived by her children, Heather, Scott, Paul Mattes and Jennifer LaRocca; daughter-in-law Marjorie Mattes; Son-in-law Tony LaRocca and Eric Scherer as well as grandchildren Jordan, Hannah, Taylor and Haley Mattes. Helen Joanne Day was born in Batavia, New York on January 14, 1934, to Marian and A. Herman Day. She graduated from Eastern University. On August 18, 1956, she married Anthony Mattes, her college sweetheart, and they began a life of ministry. While rearing four children, Mrs. Mattes served as organist/choir director of children’s, adult and bell choirs at St. James Episcopal Church, Green Ridge, PA for over thirty years. She was a member of the Episcopal Churchwomen. Mrs. Mattes created and led St. James Preschool beginning in 1965. In 1992, she founded and directed the Cardinal Preschool, Brookhaven, PA until her retirement in 2014. Joanne lived at Hillcrest Townhomes, Media, for 24 years where she had been the Association President. Mrs. Mattes’ lively spirit touched thousands of lives with her dedication to learning, the music she offered to God’s glory and her love. Burial Office with Holy Eucharist will be celebrated Friday, 10:00 AM at Resurrection Episcopal Church, 667 Mount Road, Aston, PA 19014. The Reverend Gregory Wilson will officiate. Visitation: Thursday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Ltd. Middletown (Rt. #352) & Knowlton Roads, Middletown Township, Media, PA Interment: Edgewood Memorial Park, Glen Mills, PA In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated in memory of H. Joanne Mattes to Main Line HomeCare & Hospice Foundation www.mainlinehealth.org/homecare/ways-to-give or Resurrection Episcopal Church, 667 Mount Road, Aston, PA 19014, would be appreciated.