Norma Mildred Whitehouse Matteson
SIDNEY _ Norma Mildred Whitehouse Matteson, wife of Gilbert Matteson (deceased) of Sidney passed away Friday, June 29, 2012, at the Manor Care Nursing Home in Harrisburg, Pa., where she had just recently moved from her apartment on Fox Street in Sidney.
Norma was born to Charles and Mary Elisabeth Whitehouse in New Rochelle, on April 1, 1921, where she spent her youth, and graduated from New Rochelle High School. She went on to attend Traphagen School of Design in New York City.
She married Gilbert Matteson on May 19, 1946, and shortly thereafter they relocated to Sherburne where son, Robert was born, and then to Unadilla, where daughter, Carol was born, and finally to the Sidney area, where they remained for over 50 years.
Norma was an active member of the Order of The Eastern Star, Unadilla Chapter, for many years and played piano for many meetings and special events. She also was a longtime member of the Sidney United Methodist Church and the Dorcas Sunday School class there. At that same time, she also had her own dressmaking and alteration business, which she ran from her home.
Norma loved her music, loved going to shows and musicals and loved playing show tunes on her piano. She also enjoyed gardening and had several large rock gardens at her home on Hill Road, complete with a garter snake that she spoke to every time she saw it while she was weeding. Later in life she rekindled her passion for art, taking painting classes both in the area and Florida. She joined the Cooperstown Leatherstocking Brush and Palette Club and sold her oil and watercolor paintings at the Cooperstown Gallery and annual craft show.
Norma is survived by her son, Robert and wife Sandy of Jonesboro, Ga.; and her daughter, Carol Greene and husband Dennis of Bainbridge; also her grandchildren, Wendy, Tracey, Kit and Summer; and several nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
A graveside memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2012, in Prospect Hill Cemetery (new section) for anyone who would like to attend.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.
