West Boylston
Livia T. (Tonon) Matera, 99, formerly of Pinewood Dr. died Sunday (June28) in Knollwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Worcester after an illness.
Her husband James J. Matera died in 1997. She leaves a son, Anthony L. Matera of Duxbury, a daughter, Ligia Shank of West Palm Beach, FL and three grandchildren. She was born in Vittorio Veneto, Italy daughter of Louis and Pasqua (Tochet) Tonon.
She graduated from Monson Academy and earned a Bachelors degree from Massachusetts College of Art and a Masters degree in art education from Assumption College.
Mrs. Matera first worked as a social worker in the Bronx for the City of New York, Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor. Speaking three languages, she became associated and worked with Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt who established programs to assist the poor during the depression. Later in Boston She was employed as an Art Director for the East Boston Social Centers Council and before retiring in 1966 she taught art in the Worcester Public School System. She was an avid and accomplished artist and created numerous works during her career.
She was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, past president of the West Boylston Parent Teachers Association and Past President of the West Boylston Woman’s Club.
A Funeral will be held Thursday (Aug1) from Fay Brothers Funeral Home (www.faybrothers.com) 1 West Boylston with a Mass at 1 p.m. In Our Lady of Good Counsel Church 111 Worcester St. Burial will be in Saint Edward’s Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT. A Calling Period will be held on Thursday(Aug1) from Noon to 12:45p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her name to Massachusetts College of Art 621 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115