Grace "Jean" Matt | Visit Guest Book 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 on August 17, 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 and his special friend Cinthia DiRuzza Zielinski ; 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, Sierra Van Dreason, Lexie and Nickolas Zegarelli, Nicolas Snyder, Ruby Rose Schroeder, Cameron, Zachary and Samantha Spooner; 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, Mary Jane 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.