Obituary of Ann Lavoi Matarazzo

Ann Lovoi Matarazzo died of natural causes on June 2, 2014, just after her 95th birthday. Ann was the loving wife of Joe Matarazzo who died in 2001. She had two sons, Mike Mathiesen of Santa Cruz and Steve Matarazzo of Aptos. She also leaves behind daughters in law Estrella and Laura and grandchildren Marissa, Kira and Carly. All of her relatives understand that there is a god in heaven and angels in this world, not from the teachings of any particular religion, but instead from the enormous love and spiritual power of Ann. God doesn't make them any better. Ann was born in Palermo, Italy and grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts with seven other siblings. She met her soul mate, Joe, after World War II, when her brother, Sam, introduced her to his GI buddy he met during the European Campaign. Joe and Ann had their baby boomer kids and moved to Natick, Mass where life was just about perfect. Later in life, Ann was an executive secretary working for Snap-on tools and Granite Rock. She was always the "rock" in the family, also. She built many friendships over the years. As has been said before, she never met a person she didn't like. Her family and friends will miss her more than words can express. We were so lucky to have known her and to have loved her. A graveside service will be held on Saturday June 14, 2014 at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2271 7th A ve., Santa Cruz, CA at 12:00 Noon. The family will be hosting a celebration of her life at her son's home at 444 Meder St., Santa Cruz, CA on Saturday following the graveside service beginning at 2:00 pm. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle or express your condolences to Ann's family.