Erna S. Mattiace, 92, passed away March 30, 2024 peacefully, due to age-related causes in the Pathways Skilled Nursing Center at The Philadelphia Protestant Home.
She grew up in the Swampoodle neighborhood of North Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia Community College, working as a secretary for multiple companies in multiple industries. She loved people and life, as well as dancing, cooking, baking and gardening.
Erna wrote in her high school yearbook her ambition was “to see the world.” And see the world she did! She took many cruises in addition to traveling to many US states, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America and Europe. But her favorite place in the world was the Philadelphia YWCA Chase Cottages in Chatham, Massachusetts. She spent a week or two there for 18 summers enjoying old and new friends, dining out, sightseeing, whale watching and other seaside activities.
Erna touched many lives with her wit, wisdom and infectious laugh. Those who knew her called her “one of a kind.”
She is survived by her loving son Jeffrey Mattiace (Stephanie), niece Janet Tucker (William), nephew Robert Howarth (the late Anna), grand-nephew Michael Tucker, and several cousins and their families in Germany.
Erna requested a private service with only immediate family present, which her family will be honoring. Please join us in remembering Erna by posting to this memorial website with your most cherished memories and photos.