Tiodosia (Thea) C. Matterese, 82, of North Utica, peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at the NYU Langone Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Thea was born in Herkimer, NY on November 20, 1934, a daughter of Frank and Angela (Pape) Pagliarulo. She was a graduate of West Canada Valley High School. She also graduated from St Mary’s school of Nursing in Amsterdam, NY and spent many years working as an RN in a number of facilities. She then took many years off from nursing to dedicate herself to her most important role of mom. For that, her children were blessed and are forever grateful. She spent the last 20 years of her career, until her retirement in 2000, as a nurse for ARC of Herkimer County. Nursing was a natural fit for Thea as she was a most warm and caring person. On October 22, 1960, at St Mary’s Church in Middleville, NY, Thea was united in marriage to John L. Matterese. They shared nearly 57 years in loving devotion to one another. Thea is survived by her husband, John, and the five luckiest children, Angela Contento and husband Timothy, of Homer, NY, Nicholas Matterese, of Brooklyn, NY, Gina Matterese, of Saratoga Springs, NY, Vito Matterese and wife Traci, of Ballston Lake, NY and Thea Siracuse and husband, Joseph, of Malta, NY, six cherished grandchildren, Giovanna Contento, Luke, Ryan, and Evan Matterese, and Peter and Nicolas Siracuse, a sister, Dawn Sweeney and husband, John, of Fairfield, NY, a brother, Frank Pagliarulo, of Crystal Lake, IL and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Thea’s greatest joy was being surrounded by loved ones. She enjoyed laughing and lunching with her girls and visiting over coffee with old friends, new friends, and family. Thea had a special knack for getting close to people, so new friends quickly became dear friends. She made each person she was near feel special and absolutely loved. Her strength was unparalleled and she met each new challenge with grace. She was an artist and a musician, but was best known for her cooking and especially baking. Her Christmas cookie trays were anxiously awaited each year by those who received them. She delighted in entertaining and threw quite a bash for holidays, especially Christmas and St Patrick’s Day. She took great pride in making sure that everyone around her was well fed and comfortable. She thoroughly enjoyed watching old movies and especially loved to watch them with those who had never seen them so she could explain everything that was going to happen. Her love was true and her message was clear; there is no greater joy and responsibility than to care for and support one another. Her family will strive to do just that in her honor. Thea’s family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all the nurses, doctors, and staff of 17W at NYU Langone Medical Center. A Memorial Mass for Thea will be held on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:00 AM at St. Mark’s Church in North Utica. Calling hours at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, are Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the American Cancer Society. Thea believed in helping others in any way she could and these were a couple of her favorite recipients.