Marie Elizabeth Mattei

Marie "Dolly" Elizabeth Mattei - 11/8/1927 - 7/10/2021

Marie Elizabeth Mattei was born November 8, 1927, in Island Park, NY. She passed away peacefully Saturday July 10, 2021, after a two week-long vigil of visits including shared memories of love and laughter with her loved ones.
When Marie was born, her Father said she looked like a living doll, and started calling her Dolly. She is one of six children. Marie grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where she attended Franklin K Lane High School.

As a teenager, she met the love of her life, Ralph Mattei. They married and had six children of their own, residing in Brooklyn, NY and eventually in Riverhead, Long Island, NY. After recovering from an auto accident, in which she sustained a broken neck, the family relocated to Orlando, Florida in 1968. In early 1969, they opened their home to foster babies through the Children's Home Society of Florida (CHS). They spent years caring for newborns prior to their adoption. After leaving CHS, they began caring for battered, abused, and special needs children. Marie and Ralph were recognized for many years of dedicated and unselfish service to the children by H.R.S. District VII. Throughout their time with these two organizations, they cared for over 650 children in a 16-year time span.

In her later years, Marie was a Nanny in private homes for many families. Her love for babies and children was abundant.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents; John Maurice and Emma Estelle Forte, her siblings; Edith Lukasiewicz, Charles Forte, Joseph Forte, William "Billy" Forte, and Joyce Forte. She is also preceded in death by her loving husband Ralph J Mattei and we all know she is holding tight her Great-Great Granddaughter Jazmin Marie Farren.

She is survived by her six children: Gloria Terrill, Joseph Mattei, Roseann Burton, Nancy Mattei, Cathy Davis, and Pamela Elliott. Marie also leaves behind 19 Grandchildren, 39 Great Grandchildren, and 28 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Marie leaves behind quite a legacy, she loved with all her heart as she cared for and did so much for others in her 93 years on Earth.

Besides babies and children, she loved Country music, baking, and decorating gorgeous cakes, The NY Yankees, the Orlando Magic, and Word Search puzzles. She will be greatly missed, and will never, ever be forgotten.

Visitation is Sunday July 18, 2021 from 11:00-11:30, Service is immediately following at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions East Orlando Chapel, 895 S. Goldenrod Rd. Orlando, FL 32822. Cemetery Service is 1:00 Chapel Hill Cemetery 2420 Harrell Road, Orlando FL 32817.