Cheryl Ann Matasso

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Cheryl A. Matasso (Goodnow), cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Cheryl was born March 20, 1953, to Harry Goodnow and Mary Fowler, was raised in Torrance, CA and lived in the South Bay area most of her life. Cheryl passed away on March 23, 2022.

Cheryl graduated from South High School in 1971 and then joined the United States Marine Corps. Cheryl had her first daughter, Angie Dolan-Thompson, in 1979 and a second daughter, Michella Matasso, in 1986 who she shared with her husband, William Matasso.

Cheryl was a friend to all and enjoyed spending her time with her family and found great joy in her grandchildren. Cheryl was fascinated by astronomy and space, and in 2019 saw the Apollo 11 Command Module on the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. In addition, Cheryl loved and collected all things penguins, as that was her youngest daughter’s favorite animal.

In 2006, Cheryl and her family were devastated by the loss of Cheryl’s daughter, Michella, who was killed by a drunk driver. After the loss of her daughter, Cheryl gave public speeches while volunteering with Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD). In 2019, Cheryl was named MADD Southern California Region’s Volunteer Difference Maker Award for her dedication to educating the public regarding the dangers of driving under the influence. Cheryl shared the tragedy of her daughter’s death to make a change in the world. Additionally, in 2006 Cheryl started a scholarship fund in her daughter’s name to provide yearly monetary awards to graduating seniors at South High School.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her daughter Michella, father Harry, and mother Mary. Cheryl is survived by her husband, William Matasso; daughter, Angie Dolan-Thompson; son-in-law, Jason Thompson; grandchildren, Shane and Mia Thompson; sisters Linda Goodnow, Sheila Daniels and Vicki Keller. Cheryl had numerous extended family members and friends that held a special place in her heart.

In lieu of flowers, it would be greatly appreciated if a donation was made to the Michella Matasso Memorial Scholarship Fund at South High School (4801 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505 (310-533-4352).