Elizabeth Ann Matarese , age 84, of Newark, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and her beloved cat, Mako, on Tuesday, January 3 , 2023.

Elizabeth was born in Wilmington DE daughter of the late Elizabeth (Berster) and William Heckler. She graduated from Wilmington High School and after raising her family, she became a Secretary for MBNA for many years. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoyed dancing, traveling, camping, bowling, cooking, spending time with her family and enjoying her summers at her beach house in Potnets. In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was predeceased by her loving husband , Michael James Matarese Jr. in 1989; brother William Heckler; sister-in-law, Alice Heckler; and brother-in-law Vito Matarese.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter Deanna McFarlin (Frank Jr.) ; sons,  Michael James Matarese III (Wendy), William Matarese (Julie) and Steven Matarese ( Lisa) ; grandchildren, Frankie (Sarah), Jenna (Zac), Billy, Carly, Stevie, Haley (Joey), Erica, Kayleigh ( Terry )and Shannon ; her great grandchildren ; Cyrus, Sienna, Valour, Oliver, Del, Julianna and Isabella ; her sisters, LaVera Blanck (Bob), Joyce Roberts, Joan Wasylyszyn (Michael) and her sister in law Paula Salvatore and numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends whom she all loved.

A visitation for Elizabeth will take place on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Rd, Wilmington DE 19808, where family and friends may call from 10 - 11 AM , with a service beginning at 11 AM. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284 (Heart.org)