Obituary: Suzanne Carey Mattson, 78, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Home:

Suzanne Carey Mattson, 78, beloved wife of John W. Mattson of East Haven passed away March 28, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Loving mother of Heidi Mattson of Albany, CA, John D. (Debbie) Mattson of West Haven, Christy (Carlo) Pappolla of North Branford and Heather (Matt) Ori of North Haven. Cherished grandmother of Miles, Austin and Jordan Pappolla, John and Leif Mattson, Ella and Toni Ferencz, Nathan and Alexis Ori. Caring sister of Eileen DiChello of Hamden, Maryann Forbes of North Branford, Gerald Carey of Long Beach, CA, John Carey of Clinton and the late Rosemary Gilbert. Suzanne was born on November 18, 1942 a daughter of the late Gerald and Helen Miller Carey.

Prior to her retirement she was Property Manager for the A.C. Gilbert Complex in New Haven. She was raised in Niantic and West Haven, Suzanne was proud graduate of West Haven High School (class of 1960) and an avid attendee of her high school class reunions, remaining close to her classmates and West Haven friends for many years. A resident of the Foxon section of East Haven for the last 53 years, Suzanne was a well-loved neighbor and friend to the many who knew her, particularly her dear friend, Carol Antonelli.

Some of the great pleasures of Suzanne’s life were reading, art, music, physical fitness (aerobics and walking), birdwatching, gardening, travel to Europe, California, and the Caribbean, a good glass of wine, and cooking amazing meals for Sunday dinners and holidays for her family. A member of the Our Lady of Pompeii Parish in Foxon for over 50 years, Suzanne was actively involved in her church in many different capacities and served for many years as a Eucharistic minister prior to her illness, daily living Christ’s example, and instilling a faith tradition in her children never forgotten.

Her greatest joy and devotion in life, however, was to her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family whom she loved without limit and without condition.

The Mattson family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the many devoted caregivers who cared for Suzanne during her long illness, including the nurses of the VNA, and Drs. Michael Parker and James McVeety.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Community Healthcare & Hospice at www.connecticuthomecare.org or the Alzheimer's Assn at www.alz.org.