Obituary of Sr. Elizabeth A. Mattus, RSM

Albany- Mattus RSM, Sister Elizabeth Ann (formerly Sister Mary Bernarda) died at  Teresian House, Albany, Saturday, August 6, 2022.  She had been a Sister of Mercy for 70 years.  Liz was born in Gloversville, the daughter of the late Anthony Mattus and Anna Prohaska Mattus.  She took delight in her Czechoslovakian heritage and was proud that she could speak the language.

Sister Elizabeth earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Rose, Albany, and was the recipient of National Science Foundation Grants in Science and Earth Science.  She taught at many schools in the Albany Diocese, including St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s, Albany; St. Joseph’s, Scotia; Our Lady of Victory, Troy; St. Patrick’s, Cohoes; St. Mary’s, Gloversville; St. Mary’s, Ballston Spa; and St. John’s, Rensselaer.  For many years, she taught the little ones the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic before moving on to share her knowledge of General Science and Earth Science with Junior High students.  

Not only was Sister Elizabeth extremely creative, but she enjoyed sharing the gift.  She taught art to students in grades one through eight in the Cohoes Consolidated Schools: St. Agnes, St. Joseph’s and St. Marie’s.   Liz had a way of nurturing the hidden artistic gifts of others and instilling confidence in young people, often to the surprise and delight of the students themselves.  She shared her expertise as an art and craft teacher at the Craft Guild in Albany, offering instruction in batik, crocheting, calligraphy, hand-built pottery and nature crafts.  Always ready to try something new, she mastered macrame and silkscreening.  Fortunate are the recipients of one of her masterpieces!  Sister Elizabeth’s lifelong devotion to the Blessed Mother is reflected in many of her art pieces.

Sister Elizabeth transitioned from classroom instruction to a new area of teaching when she embraced the ministry of pastoral care at Our Lady of Mercy, Albany, and St. Clement’s, Saratoga.  With a goal of leading and guiding laypersons to increasing their participation, she facilitated their ownership of responsibility for parish programs. She channeled their gifts into liturgical ministries, visitation and outreach, social activities, support of the bereaved, responsibility for buildings and grounds, and the overall smooth running of the parish. 

Visiting the sick and homebound at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Saratoga and Heritage Home in Schenectady was a ministry very dear to her heart.

In addition to her parents, Sister Elizabeth was predeceased by her brothers, Brother Joseph Francis CFC, and Benedict (Barbara).  She is survived by her brother Bernard, several nieces, nephews and cousins as well as by her religious community, the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Associates.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Sister Elizabeth’s funeral on Friday, August 12, in the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany.  Masks must be worn.  The reception of the body will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by a wake.  The Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Johnstown.  Contributions may be made in Sister Elizabeth’s memory to the Sisters of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208.