Helen M. Mattera

Helen M. Mattera (nee McCarthy), 82, formerly of Huguenot, Staten Island, NY, passed away peacefully at Rose Garden Nursing Home, Toms River, NJ on February 10, 2024.

The last 3 years she had several strokes but the strength she had shown through all these obstacles showed how much of a fighter she was. She had a beautiful smile and this wonderful loud laugh – that made everyone laugh around her.  She was loved by all and was a mom to all our friends growing up - that’s how she earned the nickname “Momma Helen”.   We were so fortunate to have her as our mom, because the kind of love she gave us was the purest you could ever find.   She was a ray of sunshine in all of our lives. 

She did some modeling, had various clerical jobs, worked in retail and was a homemaker.

She was born to the late Thomas and Helen McCarthy, in Brooklyn, NY.  She was predeceased by her brothers Thomas and Richard.  Helen graduated from Midwood High School in 1959, Brooklyn, NY.

She married the late John Mattera in 1962, and they lived together in Brooklyn until 1969 when they moved to Huguenot, Staten Island, NY.  She is survived by three daughters: Laura, of New Jersey; Kimberly (Erik), of South Carolina and Leigh (Anthony), of New Jersey. She is also survived by her grandkitties and grandpuppies. She was predeceased by her loving husband in 2014.

She enjoyed shopping, reading, puzzles, walks, gardening, catching up with old friends, day trips and cooking.  

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 24^th from 12:00 – 3:00 pm at Bedell Pizzo Funeral Home.   Private funeral - Interment of ashes Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Adler Aphasia Center can be made in Helen’s name  https://adleraphasiacenter.org/donate-now/