PORTLAND — Thilda “Tillie” Anna Matson Feato, 84, of Portland, died March 20 with her family by her side.

Born Aug. 14, 1928, in Detroit, Mich., to Albert Matson and Merle Paine Matson, she moved with the family to Buxton during the Great Depression. Moving to Portland as a young girl, she grew up on Munjoy Hill, attending neighborhood schools and graduating from Portland High School.

Her marriage to Anthony “Tony” Feato brought a life full of family, friends and love during their years in East Deering. She worked at Maine Medical Center in the accounting department for 25 years where she formed many lasting friendships.

Feato’s reason for being was her family, which continued to bring her joy every day of her life before and after the death of her husband in 1977. Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been blessed with her gifts of unconditional love, wisdom, precious moments spent together, and beautiful treasures created from her many talents as a seamstress, knitter and quilter. Some of the fondest memories were shared during the feasts she prepared for Sunday dinners and special occasions.

She was predeceased by her husband, baby daughter Patricia, and a sister, Beverly Beckwith.

She leaves her children, Anthony D. Feato and Susan, Kathleen Feato and Barry Senter, Susan F. Rozzi and Dominic, Carolyn F. Wissley and Brian, Donna F. Russo and Joseph, Maria F. Balzano and Michael; her grandchildren, Scott M. Russo and Janice, Dominic A. Rozzi, Matthew Feato, Gina M. Phillips and Noah, Anthony A. Russo and Sunny, Kathryn Peterson and Jonathan, Trisha Lynn Russo and Stephen Bagdasarian, Vincent P. Rozzi and Johanna, Brian M. Wissley, Michelle K. Wissley, Elizabeth A. Balzano, Samuel J. Balzano; and great-grandchildren Giana, Cappella, Avia, Solaya and Mia Russo, and Cullen and Wyatt Phillips.

She also leaves her brothers, Conrad Matson, David Matson and Jean; and sister Dorothy Hamilton.

Her sister-in-law, Philomena Feato-Baker-Lane and life-long friend, Lois Barter have been lovingly supportive to the entire family. Feato’s family also sends a heartfelt thank you to Karen Nadeau, Chris Wissley, and Amenda Garay for their invaluable care during the last few years, and to Hospice of Southern Maine for its support.

A private service was held Saturday.


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