Ashley Kirsten Mattia

Ashley Kirsten Mattia, "Angel Girl", of Warren, age 17, died Sunday, March 24, 2013 at her home.Ashley was born November 16, 1995 in Troy, the daughter of Dean and Colleen (nee: Nowakowski) Mattia.We've all been there,…bearing witness to one of God's precious, earthly cherubs who endure and embrace their physical challenges, yet exude a sense of peace and contentment that leaves us humbled. Such was the case with Ashley, Dino and Colleen's treasured "Angel Girl." With her gorgeous green eyes, jet black hair and stunningly beautiful features, Ashley possessed a quiet presence that was warmly felt as it lit up a room like a cozy fire,…and was always capped by the flash of her heart-rendering smile. Though she was unable to speak, she was heavenly imbued with the ability to communicate with her soul,…and hers was a special soul that impacted the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to meet her. Another of the gifts she possessed was the ability to recognize voices. She definitely knew exactly who was engaging her in conversation, and had her own way of letting you know. Where many in life often question why a person is challenged as was Ashley, it took very little time after meeting her to learn exactly what Angel Girl's purpose was in life. To those nearest and dearest to her heart, they'll happily recount how Ashley was sent here to teach us all the blessings and freedom of acceptance. Learning how to accept another exactly as they are is often OUR challenge,…but Ashley's lessons, in their quiet and profound way, taught so many in so many ways and leaves behind some incredible memories of lives that were changed by her silence. Her eyes told all the story there was to tell. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Ashley is survived by her parents, Dino & Colleen Mattia; grandparents, Carolyn Baird and Thomas (Jan) Nowakowski; great grandmothers, Elizabeth Mazza and Veronica Mattia; She is the niece of Brian (Jodi) Nowakowski, Amy (Tom) Barrett, Joe (Deanna) Nowakowski, Katy (Kevin) DiMeglio, Carolyn (Terry) Woodry, Lisa (Les) Smith, Nadina Mattia, Lonzo Mattia, Tina (Tharon) Utley, Leanne (Tommy) Oberman, and Rebecca Cobb. Dear cousin of Brandon, Taylor, Josh, Megan, Katelyn, Shannon, Declan, Cadence, Tony, Cassie, Patrick, Miranda, Daniel, Jimmy, Jessie, Geena, Veronica, Terri, Rocco (Erika), Mia (Kevin), Jeffrey, Jennifer, Mileah, and Travis. She is also survived by many great aunts & uncles, and second cousins.Ashley is joining in heaven her great grandfathers, Louis Mattia Sr. and Nicholas Mazza Sr.; great grandparents, Anthony & Helen Nowakowski; grandparents, Louis & Letty Mattia Jr.; great uncle, Christopher Nowakowski, great aunt Nancy Mazza, and uncles, Louis "Bo" Mattia III and Vinnie Mattia. Memorial visitation for Ashley will be held Wednesday 2-9 pm with a 7:00 pm Rosary Service at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd). Her memorial service will be held Thursday 11:00 am at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Michigan. Please share memories at her memory book.