Geraldine (Geri) Matteucci, 88, passed away in the early morning hours of November 6, 2020, after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
This wonderful, sweet woman was born August 1, 1932, to Florence and Thomas Demmons. Geri was the last of five children who lived and attended grade school at the one room schoolhouse at Divide. She moved to Butte for high school, living with her sister, Edith. She graduated in 1950. It was at Butte High where she met her sweetheart, Jim Matteucci. They were married at St. Helena Church in Meaderville on July 19, 1953, and were married 65 years. Geri’s life was a full one, raising her three children and working a variety of part time jobs, including bookkeeping at Consolidated Freight, Ossellos and Security Bank. Her longest and most enjoyed job was waitressing and cooking at the Bonanza Freeze with many good friends.
Geri loved playing bridge, playing piano and organ for many years at the IC Church, bowling, gardening, volunteering at the Lady of the Rockies, cross country skiing, community concerts, reading, yoga, cross word puzzles, traveling with her sisters and Jim, and spending time with all of her family. Most weekends were spent at their cabin by the Silver Bridge on the Big Hole River. Her family, sisters, and their families, extended relatives, friends and others, enjoyed card games, board games, floating, eating, and listening to stories of their life and the hilarious tales that our dad, Jim, made up.
Geri was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; parents, Thomas and Florence; sisters, Edith Franklin (Bob), Rose Young (Frank), Shirley Sauerbier (Gil); and brother, Don (Louise) Demmons; mother- and father-in-law, Tootie and Frank Matteucci; in-laws, Harold (Melba) Matteucci, Dan (Mary) Matteucci, Clarence (Irene) Matteucci; and nephew, Luke Matteucci. She is survived by daughters, Karen (Fletcher) Mulvaney, Kathy (Frank) Taras, Kris Matteucci, and foster daughter, Lana (Gary) Mullaney. Grandchildren are Nick (Brianne) Mulvaney, Andy Mulvaney, Joe Taras, Matt (Carly) Taras, Melissa (Bronson) Pate, Rachel Richardson, Angie Richardson, Jody Troupe, Jamey Mullaney, Josh (Trista) Mullaney, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, and much loved nieces and nephews.
We want to extend our thanks and appreciation to the caregivers and staff at the Springs in Butte and Highlands Hospice for their wonderful care of our mom, Geri. If desired, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Butte Food Bank.
We Love and will miss you forever, Mom!
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Geri. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Geri and her family.
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Julie Henrich says
To Karen,, Kathy, Kris & families,
My thoughts & sincere sympathy to you for the passing of your dear mother. I will remember many wonderful times with her over the years at your cabin on the Big Hole, Meaderville & Reunions & will keep those memories close in my heart. What a celebration she will have with your wonderful father!
God Bless,
Julie (Petroni) Henrich
Nan Joyce says
From Nanette Joyce and Marie Russell
Geri was one of my mom’s best friends and “the kindest person she has ever known”. We are very sorry for your loss. We know she is at peace and having a grand time with our Dad, Jack. You will be in our prayers each and every day. Love Marie and Nan
Nadia Crawford says
My thoughts and prayers are with Karen, Kris, Kathy & family. Geri was a wonderful and sweet woman. I enjoyed taking care of her and seeing her beautiful smile. She will be greatly missed but she is free and having a ball with her sweetheart and all her pals. I am grateful to have been able to have had the chance to care for her. God Bless You All! Until we meet again Geri
Rich and Karen McLaughlin says
Karen, Kathy Kris, and families,
Your Mom and Dad have left lasting impressions on everyone who knew them, great people. We had many memories and good times, at the Big Hole and office parties. God bless you all!
Morgan says
So sorry for your Mom’s passing. She raised a great family and the love she shared with all of you is such a blessing. Those memories are priceless. Take care, Morgan
Barb West says
Dear Karen ,Lana and Families,
We have such fond memories of Geri. She was a lovely lady with a beautiful smile and always so kind.
Brad and I are so sorry for your loss.
Tom Jonart says
To the daughter’s of Geri Mattuecci,so very sorry for your loss.She raised three lovely daughters.
Julie L Bushmaker says
Karen, Kathy, Kris and Families,
My sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of Geri. I can see her, sitting on her couch, with her feet up, in heaven holding Jim’s hand. Rest in peace, sweet Geri.
Anonymous says
Hey to all of you. She was a wonderful mom a wonderful person. God Bless. Lori “Thornton”
Johnston.
Joanne Swisher says
To all,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Geri at the Bonanza Freeze when I was in high school and college. I still remember how kind she was to all of us. She helped make it such a positive experience. She always had such a sweet smile. I was in an accident near her home when my boys were very young. I remember how cold it was outside and she invited us into her home to stay warm until the police and wrecker arrived. We were so relieved to have a safe place for our children. Her kindness will always be remembered. Our prayers are with your family, Joanne
Jessamyn Tempel says
I want you all to know how much I loved getting to know sweet Geri. I was able to spend time with her while doing Life Enrichment activities at The Springs. She was always a highlight of my day, whether it was painting her nails or listening to the old piano player. I will forever miss her beautiful smile and heart. I loved spending time singing to her and reading poetry and books.
Hold on to those precious memories, they will aid greatly in your healing process. She will be forever loved and missed.