Obituary of Ann Patricia Matola

March 21, 1939 – October 7, 2022

Ann Patricia (Newman) Matola passed away peacefully on Friday, 7 October. She was an exceptionally loving mother, grandmother, and forever teacher. She demonstrated a toughness and independence, living with Muscular Dystrophy for over 40 years. Pat was an active member of the college community at SUNY Cortland, graduating with a degree in Education and Reading in 1961. She taught at numerous New York schools before retiring from Ellicottville Central School in 1994 after 20 years as a teacher / reading specialist. Her fellow teachers meant a great deal to her, the closest of them staying in touch with her years after her retirement.

“She was a compassionate and non-threatening teacher serving students of all ages; often sought out for help by adults who were privately struggling with life due to their own difficulties with reading. She brought dignity to her profession, empathy to her students, love to her family, and unrelenting courage to quietly meet her own challenges.”

She leaves behind her sons, Bill, Ken, Tom, and Bob; daughters-in-law, Linda, Monica, Karen, and Pam; grandchildren, Kayla, Kim, Nicholas, Elena, Matthew, David, and Daniella; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Nolan, and Ellis; nieces and nephews; and her informally “adopted” granddaughter Kelsey Mahnken Leonard.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius L. and Ann V. Newman, and her niece, Patricia Capps Lord.

A celebration of life will be held in the greater Cortland, New York area next summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local school or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.