Irene R. Matte

Irene Matte Obituary

September 25, 1927 - June 24, 2008 Irene R. Matte went home to Jesus on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, where she was also reunited with her beloved soul mate and late husband, Edward H. Matte. Irene was born to John and Eva (Steinmetz) Ring on September 25, 1927 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. She married Ed on December 30, 1952 in Raton, New Mexico. Irene was a care-giver and loved taking care of family and friends until her stroke in 1999 left her unable to speak and slowly over the next couple of years, unable to write or walk. Her husband, Ed, was her primary care-giver until his passing on May 21, 2004. Six weeks before Ed's passing, Irene went to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Bob Wilson of Loveland, Colorado, where she resided until her passing. Irene was an Air Force wife and some of the family's travels included Japan and Ethiopia. She loved people and animals. During her lifetime, Irene had also worked outside the home as an office manager/ bookkeeper for Duckwall's in Pueblo, and office manager for AMCOM in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. While living in Colorado Springs, she and Ed were members of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. After moving to Loveland, she became a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Irene was well known for her love of family, friends, cooking, her quick wit, friendliness and care-giving. Besides her husband, her pride and joy was her grandchildren, her cat, Nikko, and granddogs. She was deeply loved by family and friends and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She is survived and painfully missed by her daughter, best friend, and care-giver, Patricia K. Wilson and son-in-law and care-giver, Robert, Loveland; son, Ronald D. Matte (Pearl), Colorado Springs; step-daughter, Patricia Bredthauer (Vernon) Wood River, NE; daughter, Karen Haffenbredl, Abbotsford, WI; sisters, Elizabeth Miller, Rocky Ford, Rachel Jones, Grass Valley, CA; Willadene Lusk, Spokane, WA; brother John D. Ring (Martha), Morrison; sisters-in-law, Elaine Matte, Ellsworth, NH; Leona Conroy and Marie Nolan of Dracut, MA; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, CMSgt. Edward H. Matte, USAF Ret., her parents, sister Lydia Termer and brothers, Alec and David Ring. Viewing, followed by the Rosary, will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Sunday, starting at 5:00 PM. Funeral services will also be held at St. Francis of Assisi on Monday, 10:00 AM. Grave side services follow immediately at Evergreen Cemetery, all located in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up for the establishment of the Edward H. and Irene R. Matte Endowment, which will be used for lung cancer research and/or to financially help out patients suffering from lung cancer. You may send a donation payable to the CU Foundation (225 E. 16th Avenue #900, Denver, CO 80203) Fund #0221701 in memory of Edward and/or Irene Matte; or one of the following: Hospice of Larimer County; St. John's Church of Loveland. Sign Loving Dedications at Viegut's site: www.lovingdedications.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Irene Matte

10 Entries

Dale L Piers

June 22, 2022

It's hard to believe it's been 14 years since Irene passed from this life to eternal life. My sympathy to you, Pat, as you continue to miss and mourn your dearly loved mother. With hope in Christ, Dale Piers, Chaplain

M Kunzie

July 25, 2008

I knew Irene a LONG time and have many memories, most of them associated with good times...playing cards, sleeping off one of her "special drinks", playing Charades in the back yard, eating out, movies...only to mention a few. Pat has always been like a sister to me so it was natural to think of Irene as a second mom. I won't forget the little glint she would get in her eyes, even after her stroke. She was neat lady! I'm blessed to have known both Ed and Irene.

Cynthia Martinez

July 22, 2008

I was so glad that Mom (your sister Elizabeth) and I was able to see you just before your passing. I would not even know where to start on how much you will be missed. I enjoyed so much the times we spent together playing cards and gossiping. I am sorry that I have lived so far away most of my life and have never been around to visit more often. The only consulation is now that I know you are no longer in pain and are with Uncle Ed. Know that I will always love and miss you greatly.

Gloria Huggins

July 10, 2008

I'll always remember Irene as a woman full of life, sweet yet ornery and with a sparkle in her eyes. She loved playing cards with Pat and friends. Irene was the life of the party and usually kept us in stitches. As the years went by and Irene's health began to fail she still enjoyed playing cards and games. Even though she couldn't communicate with words she sure could with those eyes! She has a special place in my heart and I am blessed to have known her.

Dale Piers

July 9, 2008

I had the wonderful privilege of serving as Irene's spiritual companion over the past few years. Although she could not communicate verbally, she spoke with her eyes and certain looks that were unmistakable. "In the Garden" was her favorite song I sang for her...now she is in THE Garden. Irene's name means "peace" (a theme we focused on each visit - Isaiah 26:3)) & now she is in perfect peace with her husband and Lord. I commend Pat & Bob for their loving & faithful care for Irene over the past 4 years. Their love was wonderful to witness - I will miss seeing you regularly as well. May God grant you, her family, His deep & abiding peace in her passing to glory.
With Sympathy & Prayers,
Chaplain Dale Piers

Carolyn Alexander

July 9, 2008

Irene was a wonderful, fun-loving woman and mother and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Pat has been one of my closest friends for many years and the bond that she and her mother shared was undeniable. Not only was Pat her mother's caregiver, she rarely left her side and showed more compassion and love to her mother than I could believe was humanly possible. Irene's passing leaves a huge void for Pat and all others fortunate enough to have known her.

sarah sabado

July 5, 2008

Irene will always have a special place in my heart. Even though, in the years I knew Irene, we could never "talk" together, Irene was a beautiful communicater. She communicated with her heart and through her smile. Irene, I love you dearly and I will miss you. Your hospice friend, Sarah.

Karen Matte

June 29, 2008

In my heart forever, my mind daily, you were always one of a kind. A mom different from all others. You are sadly missed by your granddaughter Christal, grandson Sean and granddog's Mikey, Murphy and our new addition Molly. Missy is already in heaven. She left us on 3/31/08. Untill Nikko can join you, Missy will be your faithful companion, as she was mine for her brief 10 yrs. 8 months. You will know her right away, She is the cutest Boston Terrier up there. I love you mom, Karen
Life is not measured by the breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away! You have always left me breathless. Your daughter, Karen

Patricia Wilson

June 28, 2008

A very special and gracious lady has passed on to her Heavenly reward. Once again she is reunited with her soul-mate and husband. Goodbye, my sweet mother and very best friend! It has been a privilege and an honor taking care of you for over 4 years. Because of you, I am a stronger, more caring woman. Because of you, I am a better human being. I will always miss you, mom, and you will always reside in my heart! Goodbye sweet lady!

Ron Matte

June 28, 2008

Mom, I am going to miss you, you were the best Mom ever, you always were there for me, may the Good Lord Bless and keep your soul and reunite you with your loving husband for eternity...Your Son always...Ron

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