Gemma Matesic

Gemma Matesic of Phoenix, AZ passed away peacefully on December 13, 2014. She was born in Rankin, PA on October 16, 1925. Gemma and husband Edward (deceased) moved to Phoenix 67 years ago. Gemma was a true artist accomplished in oil painting, turquoise jewelry, wood carving, singing and floral design. For over 20 years, she decorated St. Mary’s Basilica. One of her fondest accomplishments was singing in the papal choir when Pope St. John Paul II visited Phoenix in 1987. Gem was always an avid sports fan, having been a season ticket holder for many years for ASU, the Suns, and the Cardinals. She always exhibited an adventurous, fun-loving spirit. That spirit will live on through her family. Gemma was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, and is survived by her four children: daughters Cindy Mackey (husband, Larry Staab), Lisa Reeder, Anna Chavet (husband, Kent; granddaughter, Lauren) and son Thomas. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18

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at 1:00pm with a Funeral Mass at 1:30pm at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley, AZ. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.