MATTERA, MARY LOU

MATTERA, MARY LOU
Mary Lou Mattera, 91, born April 21, 1933 in Chestnut Hill, PA, passed on January 23, 2025 at Crest Haven Nursing Center in Cape May Court House. She graduated from Germantown High School in Philadelphia and went to work directly from high school for Bell Telephone in Philadelphia. She chose the opportunity to transfer to New Jersey Bell in 1956, at which time she moved to Cape May Court House with her very best friend and mother Mary Shane.
Mary Lou met her husband Henry after relocating to Cape May County. Mary Lou married Henry Mattera in 1958 and began a life in Rio Grande with him, starting their family in 1959.
Mary Lou was an active member of the PTA of the Rio Grande School while her 3 children were students there. She was initially a member at the First Baptist Church of CMCH, where she was married, until joining First UMC of CMCH in 1978. She was a member of the choir there for almost 40 years and that gave her great joy.
At work for NJ Bell, she was active in the Telephone Pioneers of America, and was the editor of that organizations newspaper (The Clam Chatter) for many years.
Mary Lou loved music and entertainment and bringing others joy, and was an active member of a Clown Club, there she was known as “Buttons.” As a lover of music she loved to dance and entertain others as a “dancing granny” with the Jenny Ayers Dance troupe.
Once retired after over 40 years with PA/NJ Bell she became a member of the Wildwood Golf and Country Club Woman's Golf Association.
Mary Lou also loved her Philadelphia Phillies and attended many games back in the “Whiz Kids” days. She was also a passionate fan of the Eagles.
Mary Lou enjoyed traveling, sporting events, parties, laughter, friends and crafting with Henry.
While working full time she managed having her children involved in sports, band, 4H and numerous other activities.
Mary Lou was always on the go, never hesitant to drive anywhere to have a good time. She and Henry took several road trips with the grandkids to explore new places.
Mary Lou's last several years on earth, particularly after the passing of Henry, were lived with late-stage dementia. Mary Lou passed into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ with her devoted friend and caregiver Denise South and Denise's therapy dog Silas comforting her at her bedside on January 23, 2025.
Mary Lou was predeceased by Husband Henry after 63 years of marriage. She is survived by her Daughters Susan (Frank) Seabrook and Mary Lou Mattera (Bill Horner), and Son Henry Mattera, Jr., Granddaughter Sarah Shepherd, Grandsons Henry (Bud) Mattera III, Shane Seabrook (Carly), and Steven Joseph Mattera (Nina), 2 great granddaughters and 2 great grandsons.
Viewing will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1 Church Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 with her funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church.
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