Anna M. (Maniscalco) Matteo, a longtime resident of Medford, passed away on Sunday, February 9th surrounded by her loving family. Anna, 80, was born in Tunisia, Africa, and was the cherished daughter of the late Nicholas and Antonina (Agueli) Maniscalco. Anna came to this country when she was four years old and enjoyed her childhood as a resident of the north end of Boston. As she was quick to tell everyone she met, I’m not Italian, I’m Sicilian!

Anna was the beloved wife of Gerry L. Matteo for 60 years. She was the devoted mother of Roseann Matteo Ogborn and Steven Matteo, their spouses James and Julie, and the loving Nona of Abigail and Jake Ogborn. She was the dear sister of Ninfa Di Fazio and her late husband Victor; caring aunt of Donna, Debbie, Darlene, Diane, Paula, Frank, Sherry, Ceila, Otto, Mark and Lisa; and dear sister in-law of Genevieve Merrigan and the late Grace Russo, Gloria Polifka and Geraldine Hansen.

Anna, who worked in accounting, was a vibrant soul, always the life of the party, and as everyone who knew her came to expect, she was never without her hair done and a stylish outfit on. She loved life and was always up for an adventure. In her seventies, she wanted her son to take her skydiving but was convinced to go horseback riding and ride in a hot air balloon instead.

Family was everything to Anna, and she could always be found in the middle of the dance floor at any party or family gathering. Christmas at the Matteo house was a celebration filled with the best food and great love, a favorite destination for extended family and friends alike. Anna took great pride in Christmas celebrations, decorating her home, planning and preparing the meal, baking desserts, and making everyone who joined them feel like family.

Anna will be greatly missed but her kindness and love for everyone around her will continue on through her children and grandchildren. Anna would want everyone to smile when they think of her and to dance when the music plays, especially when they hear her favorite songs or artists, Rags to Riches by Tony Bennett, I’m so excited! By the Pointer Sisters, and anything by Johnny Mathis or Elvis!

A celebration of Anna’s life will be held at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Friday, February 21st . Relatives and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate Anna’s life with her family from 10AM through 12 PM. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Anna’s name to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.