of Bryant, AR
September 19, 1945 - September 8, 2015
Joan Louise Matte, age 69, of Bryant, passed away September 8, 2015. She was born in Southbridge, MA September 19, 1945 to the late Frank and Josephine Silvestri. She was a retired dance teacher of over forty years and attended Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Benton.
Mrs. Matte worked with the youth choir at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Little Rock and was a long standing member of Notre Dame in Southbridge. Joan founded and ran a non-profit dance troup called Little City Cloggers in Southbridge in the 1990's. She and her father founded The Highland Twirlers, a drum and fife marching troup that performed nationally.
She is survived by her husband, John Matte; one son, Jonathan Matte and wife, Kristi of Little Rock; two grandchildren, Damian and Rayna Matte; one brother, Francis Silvestri and wife, Susan of Richmond, NH; one niece, Lisetta Silvestri; one nephew, Edwin James, and numerous other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2015 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Benton with Father Y.C. Irudayaraj officiating. Interment will follow at Smith Rosemont Cemetery in Benton.
The family will receive friends after 9:00 a.m. Friday morning at Our Lady of Fatima.
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19 Condolence(s)
Elaine M. Brodeur
Monday, September 21, 2015
Wow, I'm at a loss for words!! I lived across the street from Joan and started in the Highland Twirlerettes when I was young. Then I took all kinds of dance from her and was in so many recitals. I was also part of the Joanettes for a long time. I took for 11 yrs., later I was employed by her as a dance teacher. Always loved her. Remembering all the fond memories I had. My condolences to her husband John Matte and of course Jonathan, her son, (whom I used to babysit when you were a baby!) I keep wondering what happened. Shocking and so sorry! Elaine~
SONDRA FIGUEROA (Molina)
Saturday, September 12, 2015
My condolences to her family.
She was the best dance teacher every. She loved every minute teaching us how to dance, act & clog. She was my teacher for 14 years for age 3 to 17 years old. We are going to miss her. My she rest in peace and teach all the angles how to dance & clog.
Beth Davol
Saturday, September 12, 2015
You brought such joy to those around you in life. I pray that all who loved you hold the light of that joy in their memories always.
Kristin
Friday, September 11, 2015
Joan Louise -
I am forever grateful for the hours I spent with you, LEARNING.
Because of YOU, I will always LOVE the art of DANCE!
Because of YOU, I am PASSIONATE for the PERFORMING ARTS!
Because of YOU, I UNCONDITIONALLY LOVE and have a heart for helping ALL CHILDREN!
Because of YOU, I LOVE nothing more than TEACHING a child how to dance and seeing the sparkle in their eyes when they master it!
Because of YOU, I DREAM BIGGER!
Because of YOU, I BELIEVE in myself!
BECAUSE OF YOU, I AM THE WOMAN I AM!
"You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.
Did you ever know that you're my hero? And everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle, For you are the wind beneath my wings."
I will never forget your laugh, your joy and passion for life, tap dancing with you for hours and hours.
Thank you for the gifts you have given me!
You are loved and will be deeply missed!
"A good TEACHER is like a candle - it consumes itself to LIGHT the way for others."
~ Author Unknown
rene dupuis
Friday, September 11, 2015
My condolences to the family my folks were friends of her parents and she taught me to dance for the lprom
donna Gendron
Thursday, September 10, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss John and johnathen I took dance for many year with Joan Louise when she was on main st loved Joan. .she lived down the street from me for years. RIP Joan sending my thoughts and prayers to her family
Erica Rosario
Thursday, September 10, 2015
I was a long time student of Joan's dance studio on central St. I did tap, ballet, jazz etc. My those were the good old days, I definately loved to dance, and Joan just furthered this passion. She will be greatly missed, and thank you for the great memories. May you rest in peace...
Cheryl Misiaszek
Thursday, September 10, 2015
I remember Joan in her dance studio with a smile on her face and a definite love in her heart for her students and the art of dance. She will be remembered for s long time, she made a difference.
Father Leo LeBlanc
Thursday, September 10, 2015
I am very saddened for the Matte family at their loss, but I rejoice with Joan that she is with God and our Blessed Mother, Mary, on whose Feast Day she died. You were the epitome of joy in my book. May your love of children and your contagious laughter always ring in our ears. Make a "Joyful Noise" unto the Lord forever, and sing your heart out to the God who gave you life and who called you into His loving embrace.
The Garlands, heather, scott, kimberly, India, Kasey, Luis, Samantha and Michael
Thursday, September 10, 2015
6/8/15...today I lost a very good friend...one who believed in the best in everyone...who inspired me and those in my family...who encouraged you to be whatever you wanted to be no matter how silly or crazy the idea might sound...her smile let you know everything was good no matter how bad it seemed...one who fought with courage and pride to the end,,,"when a loved one becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure"
Maria (DiBonaventura) Nolan
Thursday, September 10, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the family. I remember taking dance classes from Mrs Matte when I was a child with great fondness. It's thanks to her that I don't still trip over my own two feet!
Darleen, Paul and Joshua Farland
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Joan's family. We are shocked to hear the news. We are planning to have a memorial mass hopefully at Father Leo's parish for Joan and will be contacting all the kids she has helped over the years to join us if possible to make a "Joyful Noise" unto the Lord as she enters eternal life. We are sure she will be singing along with us as well.
Melissa Cruz
Thursday, September 10, 2015
I'd like to say to the family, that Joan touched so many lives. She provided an environment where she showed love, hope and took us places that most of us would never have had the opportunity to experience again. I spoke to her two weeks ago and her spirits and faith were strong. It reminded me of what she stood for. She is a very special angel and my family and I have truly been blessed by all that she has done for us.
I pray for peace for the entire family. Jon you're a strong man. On behalf of all of the Cruz Family, we send you and your family LOVE through this difficult time!
Melissa Cruz
Sandra Smolen Kopas
Thursday, September 10, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear this news this morning. Joan and I have been friends for years. We worked together @ Big Y and continued on FB. We live in the Dominican Republic and I followed her progress with Damian and her battle. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bridgette (Thomas) Bachand
Thursday, September 10, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Joan's passing. I have many wonderful childhood memories learning to dance with Joan. She gave all of her students the gift of the love of dancing. My late sister Kelly and I participated in many classes Kelly was a Joanette and a Little City Clogger. I looked up to them and wanted to be like them. I will never forget my time with Joan. She definitely made an impact in my life and I will miss her. My heart goes out to your family at this time.
Wendy McRoy
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Very talented, special lady! A smile that could light up a room! When I was a little girl taking dance lessons I WAS IN AWE watching her tap dance. I hope you and Gram are enjoying the music in heaven!
Nancy Cloutier
Thursday, September 10, 2015
from the family of Nancy Cloutier rest in peace, Joan
davidbbertrand
Thursday, September 10, 2015
I am sure that you are now in the arms of our Lord Jesus. say hello to your loving parents. I will always have fond memories of all the time we had .
Cathy Sherman
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
You were a wonderful and energetic teacher who I'm sure will be truly missed! I will never forget you or your smile Joan Louise!! Thank you for teaching me as well as the many, many others!