Virginia Elaine Mattarocci
September 13, 1930 ~ August 11, 2021
Born in:
Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Virginia Elaine Mattarocci, 90, passed away August 11, 2021. Survived by children, Mark Mattarocci, Frank Mattarocci and Tari (Dean) Colletti; grandchildren, Tyler (Koleen) Mattarocci, Clay (Kayla) Mattarocci, Morgan Mattarocci, Samantha and Nic Colletti, and Evangeline Mattarocci; great-grandchildren, Pistol, Stetson, Jayvonni, Kasen, Novaleigh, Willow; siblings Paula Marostica, Tony (Cathie) Raffaeli, Edward Raffaeli, Frank (Glennis), Richard (Shari), Patty Raffaeli, Pete (Debbie), Tom (Melody); and brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Kathleen Mattarocci.
Preceded in death by husband, Gene Mattarocci; brothers, Mike Raffaeli, Lawrence Raffaeli, Romeo Raffaeli; and sisters, Mary Battochio and Eleanor Robers.
Virginia was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, September 13, 1930, to Mike and Mary Raffaeli. She was the third eldest in a family of 14! Education was very important to her. She worked her way through school with the help of kind, generous loving friends, obtaining her associates degree from Northeastern Junior College, her BA from University of Northern Colorado and her Masters in guidance and counseling from University of Colorado. Her brother Tony fondly remembers her telling him “you can take away a lot of things from someone, but you can’t take away their education.”
She came to Pueblo in 1953 to teach school. She met Gene Mattarocci at LaTronica’s and had 3 children. She taught home economics at Freed and Heaton Middle Schools in which she sponsored or was the founder of many clubs and organizations. She was also a counselor at Heaton, Corwin Middle School and South High School where she finished her career in 1993. In counseling, she played an active part in assuring everyone who wanted to pursue a higher education to help and encourage them to follow their dream. She touched the lives of thousands of students during her 40-year career. Some of her past students and peers had become her lifelong friends.
After retirement time was spent, lectoring at St. Joseph’s church, volunteering for Pueblo Assistance League Auxiliary, a 6-year stint serving on the board at the Sangre De Cristo Arts Center, selling clothes for Doncaster, selling Mary Kay, spending time with grandchildren, golf, bridge, dance aerobics, traveling with friends, gardening, reading, and Bible Study. She led a meaningful, robust, healthy, devout and happy life. She never aged physically or mentally, lived each day fully, and amazingly lived on her own. She always dressed impeccably and was beautiful inside and out.
We will be forever grateful of the lessons she taught us all. Knowledge is power, family is important, and to always work hard. We are thankful for the loving care she received from family; Sangre De Cristo Joni Fair Hospice House, especially Karol, Marlena and Renee; Visiting Angels, Nancy and Debbie; and special friends Shirley, Juana and Regan. She was loved by many, and she will be dearly missed and remembered.
Memorial Mass, 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1145 S. Aspen Rd. Memorials may be given to the Mattarocci family for a future memorial in Virginia Mattarocci’s name.
Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
Services
Memorial Mass: August 25, 2021 9:45 am
St. Joseph Church, Pueblo
1145 S. Aspen Road
Pueblo, CO 81501
719-542-1552
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My sincerest condolences to the Mattarocci family for the loss of your beautiful mother Ginny. She was always so friendly & kind and will be greatly missed by so many and as a sister in Christ. She has gone from this life to the next in her heavenly home prepared by her Lord and Savior, as he reminds us in His Word:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also…” John 14:1-3
Jack and I were so fond of Ginny, a beautiful gracious lady who always had a smile and positive outlook. The last time we saw her she invited us to sit with her at LaTronicas (booth in the bar of course) and we so enjoyed our wide-ranging conversation. We are so glad to have had that special opportunity. We will miss her and send our condolences to her family. ❤️🙏
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother. How blessed you were to have such a great lady as your mother. May you find comfort and strength in knowing that she is angel in heaven watching over you.
To Mark, Frank, Tari and all the family,
We are so grateful to have had the privilege of knowing Jini and feeling her incredible warmth and generosity. She gave of her whole heart and you knew that you were loved. We shared so many fun times. We also knew that she was there for you if you needed her. What a genuine caring soul, and so very beautiful in every way. My favorite thing was being able to pray with her at the end.
Sending love to all of you,
To The Family of Virginia Mattarocci
We are very sorry for your loss. Ginny was such a wonderful lady and always greeted you with her beautiful smile. She was blessed with many attributes and will be missed by all her family and friends.
With sincere sympathy,
Dr. Gordon and Helen Murley
My sincerest condolences, warm thoughts and prayers. Ginnie was a wonderful and beautiful woman. I once asked her “You are so beautiful, active, and fun. Why don’t you find you a hunny?”
“Barbara,” she said firmly, “I am no man’s nurse with a purse!” I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard!
She was most definitely a gem, and I was so blessed to know her!
❤️
What a treasure such a wonderful lady. Beautiful inside and out! Oh how my family enjoyed Latronicas and all the Mattaroccis ! She will be missed. The Nesselhuf and Krasovec families!
❤️
Our heart goes out to Mark, Frank, Teri & all of the Mattarocci family. We treasure the time we had with your mom & dad. Jinny was a wonderful person & we will miss her always positive attitude & outlook.
Sending the family our love. Your mom was always so kind and upbeat. We car pulled to church when she first became a Christian. I remember the day the angels rejoiced at your mom’s declaration to follow Christ.
No one can ever replace our “Mom.” Praying for God’s peace and comfort to surround all of you.
Fondly, Bob and Sandy Carter, Las Cruces, NM
I worked with Ginnie at South High School. It hurts that she is no longer around even though I never saw her in her retirement since I had previously moved to Arizona. What a strange feeling when someone you were with every day many years ago has departed this earthly plain. She was a beautiful person, inwardly as well as outwardly. Condolences to family and close friends.
My deepest sympathy to Ginny’s family. She was a wonderful guide when I needed help as a new secretary at South. I will never forget her kindness and support. May God take her in his arms and may she Rest In Peace.
Thinking about all the good memories we all spent. May you now rest in peace with Gene & all your loved ones. May God bless those of you & me who are left to heal. Your cousin, Carol Ann Chapman. PS—-tell Momma & Daddy hi for me.
Heaven gained an angel my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Mark, Frank and Tari I’m so sorry for your loss. I really love your mom and she was always so kind when we visited you all in Colorado. I’m really glad we came to see you in recent times too.
May God comfort you in the knowledge she has joined him in heaven.
Love your cousin Sher
Such energy, such a marvelous smile, Ginny will be missed. Wishing you all comfort and peace.
Oh Beautiful Mrs. Mattarocci, your Kind heart & soul touched Me & My young life when I needed it the Most! As a young intelligent but very aggressive young girl at Corwin Middle School in 1984 thru 1986, I was so Lucky to have you as My guidance counselor! You seen Me as the “gifted & talented” young lady who was in Student Council & who always strived to be the President or leader of every club, you looked past my young faults of the anger & “Tuffness” I felt that I had to always portray at that time in middle school. I remember talking with you so many times crying in your office expressing my disappointments in all the many things I didn’t have or the many things I so badly wanted, like nice new clothes, the latest fancy shoes and a beautiful house with a kitchen full of lots good food for my siblings! I remember looking at you & your Big Beautiful Smile with all your beautiful make up & jewelry….. and you would reassure me that it was going to all be ok. You told Me as a 12 yr old that I was Smart & I was a natural born leader that would someday have all the things I cried about Not having. You encouraged me to recognize all the many things I did have & not worry about things I didn’t have. You encouraged me to focus on school & you told me that I could attend college & that my leadership skills were something I could use to advance Myself in anything I set out to do! Those long ago conversations in your office at Corwin Middle school molded Me into the Courageous Leading Woman that I have become today! Your encouraging words & your comforting smile made a Huge difference in my walk of life. I am a Strong Union Officer leading & protecting thousands of hard working Postal Employees & You, Mrs. Mattarocci; My middle school counselor, helped me open my eyes to be able to see myself in such a positive light! I Thank & Love You Always, Rest Peacefully Beautiful One!
*Corwin Cyclone Laviena Rae Vargas*
My mother, Celeste Duplantis was a very close friend of Ginny. She loved her dearly and Ginny meant so much to my mom. I remember playing golf with mom and Ginny and was quickly humbled even though they were in their 80’s at the time. What an incredible woman she was!!!
RIP!
I first met Ginny when I began my teaching life and would sub a lot at Corwin, where she was a Counselor. She was so kind and encouraging to me. Those kids adored Mrs Mattarocci, too. She was stunningly beautiful and always so gracious to all. I truly appreciated her friendliness and her insights she shared with me. I was hired at Central and she moved to South, so we often got to see each other and it was always such a joy. She was also dear friends with Hilda Gallegos, the counselor at Central, so I often got the privilege of the years of wisdom and experience and great stories these two would share. Ginny was beautiful, both inside and out. With her, it was not a cliche. It is the truth. What a blessing she was, to so, so many, throughout her entire life! May that comfort her family, knowing that she touched that many lives in the positive of ways. God speed, dear Ginny. You were one class act, never to be duplicated. Be at peace in God’s joyful presence.
We send our deepest sympathy to all of the family. She was a beautiful person, and we know she will be greatly missed.
Rich and Phyllis Riesner
Frankie, thinking of you and your family. Sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs. Jack and Velma Dilka
Tati,
I had forgotten how much you looked like your mom. You have been such an Angel caring for her and now she is your Angel! My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Praying for all of you🙏🏻❤️😇