Kate Mattia
A Special Thanks
I want to thank each and every one of you for your love, support, prayers, cards and phone calls over the past two plus years. It meant a lot to me, my family and of course to Katie. Cancer is a terribly insidious disease and a very tough opponent to battle. However fight it, she did. We tried everything possible to beat her cancer... three operations, numerous chemo treatments (including an experimental trial), a change in diet, a regime of vitamins and holistic pills... you name it, we tried it. In order to wage the fight we needed a strong support system. Dr Dottino, the only surgeon who would take Katie's case, was like a guardian angel. He single handedly extend my wife’s life when no one else would even try. Kevin, Katie's brother, thanks for being there to the end. Irene, Katie's best friend and cousin, words can not express how myself and the kids appreciate what you meant to your cousin and how you were there for all of us around the clock. Ali, Jim, Bridget and Michele (son and daughter in laws) thank you, thank you. And of course her children, Greg, Betty, Stephen and Nicky, the way that you helped your mother over the last two years and the compassion you showed her was nothing short of remarkable. No one should have to experience what you guys did, it’s just not fair. I am so proud of you four kids, and of course your mom is too.
About Kate
“Suck it up buttercup... Its no big deal"
Kate was born and raised in Jamaica, New York. She was the the proud daughter of Evelyn and James McManus and sister of Kevin McManus. She graduated from Dominican Commercial High School and earned an Assistant Teaching Certificate from Nassau Community College. She was happily married to Nick Mattia for thirty one years and together they raised four children, Greg, Beth, Stephen and Nicky. She was a wonderful mother in law to Ali, Jim, Bridget and Michelle. Her most precious title was Nana to Julianna, Luke, Jackie, Alessandra, Reagan, Naomi, Charlotte and Lila. She worked in the Uniondale and Manhasset School Districts as a Teaching Assistant. She lived in East Meadow for twenty one years and fostered relationships with friends that lasted for over thirty years. She always had a smile on her face and had something nice to say about anyone she came in contact with. She enjoyed traveling, singing, painting, HGTV, partying and most of all spending time with her family. Her favorite saying was, "No Big Deal" cause life was very precious and there was no need to worry about the trival stuff. The last ten years of her life she lived in Kings Park, New York. After a lengthy battle with cancer, she returned to God much to soon on December 6, 2014.
A message from Nick Mattia
I truly believe that the real measure of person’s life is the legacy that they leave behind. So with that, I’m sure the stories you read on this site will paint a picture of who Kathleen Mattia really was. Sorry if some of you may have heard them before, if that’s the case... SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP!
Some of you knew her as Kathy, Kate, Katie, Kathleen. To some she was a sister, sister-in-law, friend, aunt, cousin, Mom, Nana... to me she was my best friend, my wife and truly a remarkable human being.
Katie and I met 32 years ago at a club called "The Downstairs" in Rockville Center. She was gorgeous... I mean a real beauty! But what I found out over the next 30 something years was that her inner beauty far exceeded her stunning looks.
As most of us know Katie loved to party. She had the ability to put together parties for 40 plus people without batting an eye. "No Big DEAL", she would say. Christmas Eve was her absolute favorite. She'd spent weeks buying presents for everyone that was expected and extras in case someone unexpected showed up. Again, "NO BIG DEAL", as she loved to say. People coming over for dinner in a few hours she would put something together... NO BIG DEAL.
Katie's faith was extremely important to her. She almost never missed Sunday mass. She had a very personal and deep understanding of the complex issues in our catholic religion beyond my own comprehension. She just got it... I can't explain it... she just did. Even throughout her arduous battle with cancer she never once said "why me God?"...not once. Instead she just got it. It seemed to all somehow make sense to her.
Kate Mattia was truly a remarkable woman. For all of the Moms and Moms to be out there, she was a role model... follow her lead and you will become better person for it.
Now there is a favor that I will ask for some of you... One of the things that upset Katie the most was that our youngest grandchildren, Alessandra and Reagan, and those to follow would never get to know who she was. So Julianna, Luke, Jackie and everyone else... whenever the opportunity presents itself please tell the little ones a funny story about who their Nana was and all the wonderful things she stood for. For everyone else anytime the mood strikes you can post a story right here so we can keep those memories alive for all to share.