Phyllis A. Mateer

During the early morning hours of October 26, 2021, the soul of Phyllis A. Mateer, nee Gagnon, passed peacefully in her sleep to the arms of her Lord. Phyllis was born in the Connecticut Town of Oneco on November 23, 1939, to Ovila and Alexina Gagnon who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 58 years John F. Mateer, Jr. and her sister Pauline Pietras of Rhode Island. She is also survived by her son John F. Mateer III of Haymarket, Virginia and her daughter Deirdre A. Murphy of Las Vegas, Nevada. She had six grandchildren Kyllene A., Aubrey A., Olivia A., Chad, Ian, and Riley. Phyllis grew up in Moosup, Connecticut and graduated from The Saint Francis School of Nursing in Hartford Connecticut in 1960. Her career path led her to OB/GYN and love for children. She married John in September 1963 and began her journey with him to postings in Miami, Florida as well as -Nha Trang, South Vietnam. In Guyana and Montevideo, she served as the Embassy nurse, and in Panama, The Panama Canal Gorgas Hospital. Phyllis and family moved to Williamsburg in 1989 and became members of St Bede Parish but affiliated with St Olaf in 1994 when she moved to Croaker. She professed a strong devotion to the Eucharist, was a life-long pro-life advocate. She headed the parish’s Respect Life Ministry for two years prior to becoming ill. In 2013 she and John renewed their marriage vows at St. Olaf. A funeral Mass is scheduled for November 13, 2021, at 11:00 AM at St. Olaf. There will be one hour viewing period prior to Mass. Final burial arrangements have not yet been made. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to American Life League or the charity of your choice Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Mateer family.