Rose Marie Mattis

HALIFAX • Rose Marie Mattis, 83, of Halifax, died Dec. 18, 2020, at home. She was born Jan. 30, 1937, in Elizabethville, the daughter of the late Melvin and Elizabeth Dunleavy. Rose Marie was married to Karl W. Mattis for 65 years and had six children. She was the 1954 May Queen and graduate of Elizabethville High School. After raising her six children, she worked and retired as an administrative assistant from General Foods (Kraft). Rose Marie had an unparalleled zest for life and always lived it to the fullest. She loved to have fun and never missed the chance for an adventure, including daring ATV rides with her sons and grandchildren. Often described as “the life of the party,” she could always be found on the dance floor and laughing with those she loved most, and was always up for throwing a hand of cards. Constantly behind a camera, she loved to capture her family’s story. No moment was too big or small to be added and shared in one of her famous slideshows, which were always about family and friends – it was truly her passion to share and show her love. Her hugs, her talks and words of wisdom, and the sound of her whistling will be missed desperately. She left an impact on all who were blessed to know her. A kind and selfless woman, she exemplified what it meant to be a devoted wife, mother, loving Nana and a loyal friend. In addition to her husband Karl, Rose Marie is survived by her sons Karl Mattis, Jr. and his wife Jeanne of Severna Park, Md., Patrick Mattis of Halifax, daughters Karleen Jaffres and her husband Loic of Halifax, Tammy Tambourine of Millersburg, and Kelly Yarrish and her husband Steve of Elkridge, Md. She also is survived by 13 grandchildren, 15 great- grandchildren, and a brother Tom Dunleavy and his wife Annette of New Cumberland, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Steven R. Mattis and brothers Milford and Jackie Dunleavy. A mass of Christian burial will be private with burial to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date for friends to visit with the family. The family requests that memorial donations may be made in her name to Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 202 Zimmerman Rd., Millersburg, PA 17061. Hoover-Boyer Funeral Home, Ltd., Elizabethville, is handling the arrangements. To sign the guestbook, go to min nichfuneral.com Paid by funeral home