Mary Elizabeth Coleman DeMatteo

1929 - 2025

Born February 25, 1929, Syracuse New York

Parents: Katherine (Geis) and Joseph Francis Coleman

Died February 13, 2025, Redmond, Washington age 95 (12 days shy of 96)

Mary was raised during the Depression and World War II, losing her father when she was 13 years old. She graduated in June of 1947 from Solvay High, Solvay, New York. Mary was nicknamed “Coalie” because of her dark brown eyes. While in school she worked as a soda jerk at Sherwood’s Drug Store, Solvay New York. She then became a supervisor of telephone operators at New York Telephone Company Syracuse, New York. In 1952, Mary was married to Eugene Rolland DeMatteo at St. Cecilia’s Church in Solvay, New York.

In October 1961, Gene was hired on as a civil engineer with Boeing in Renton, Washington. He moved ahead of his family to decide where to live in WA. Mary and the two children followed in December 1961 moving to Bellevue, Washington where they made their home all these years. For many years Mary served as Precinct Supervisor for local elections in Bellevue, Washington. She also volunteered in the St. Louise school library. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Philanthropic Sorority raising money for the March of Dimes in the 1960’s. Her hobbies were crafting, tatting and painting with acrylics.

When the children were in high school, Mary worked as the only waitress at Presti’s Italian Restaurant in Bellevue, then left to work in the delicious homemade candy department at Frederick & Nelson’s Bellevue Square. The kids learned to love their college care packages of molasses mint chews and fudge half dips, not to mention Frango mints! After several years in candy, Mary switched to ladies’ shoes sales also at Frederick & Nelson’s, retiring in 1991.

Mary and Gene enjoyed 37 years together traveling to Reno, Italy and Spain. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, they had 100 acres of cattle at Rolland Ranch in Enumclaw. From the late 1960’s to 1989, they were owners/breeders of thoroughbred racehorses as DEBB Stables with colors of Wine (Italian) and Kelly Green (Irish) which raced at Longacres, Renton WA as well as in British Columbia. Her family nicknamed Mary the “Bingo Queen” as she loved to play the game and often won. Mary and Gene were involved with the East-Hills Lions Club, were 1976 charter members of Bellevue Sons of Italy lodge #2377, and members of St. Louise Church since 1961.

Mary was predeceased by her parents and six siblings (Eva, Joey, Katie, Tillie, Billy, Bernadette), her husband Gene in 1989, and many longtime friends.

Mary is survived by daughter Mary (Ron) Sangalang of Bellevue, Washington, son Marc (Elizabeth) DeMatteo of Sammamish, Washington; grandchildren Paul (Kristen) Sangalang of Issaquah, WA, Carl Sangalang of Seattle, Anthony (Joanna) DeMatteo of West Seattle, Ali DeMatteo of Seattle and Joseph DeMatteo of Everett WA. She has 3 great granddaughters Fiona and Sophia DeMatteo, Mila Sangalang and another one due in April. She is survived by sister-in-law Lillian (Art) Werbeck of Camillus NY and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Kaiser Hospice and her caregivers at Overlake Terrace for taking special care of Mary during her last years. Contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=943487&fr_id=1060&pg=fund