Leslie J. (Rinaldo) Lewis Matteson

NEW HARTFORD - Leslie J. (Rinaldo) Lewis Matteson, age 73, passed away peacefully, in a sun filled room on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at the Siegenthaler Center with her family by her side. Born in Utica on November 25, 1945, Leslie was the daughter of the late Frederick A. and Helen A. (Giglio) Rinaldo. She was a graduate of New Hartford High School/Class of 1963. She furthered her education at the Utica School of Commerce where she earned a degree in Business and Computer Science, an achievement that made her so proud! At one time she was married to William “Bill” Lewis and to that relationship came the blessing of two wonderful daughters. For the last 40 years she has shared a relationship with Frank Matteson. Leslie was employed by Utica Mutual as a secretary/receptionist. She then accepted a position at Turning Stone Casino as a gaming dealer, and one of the first round of employees hired to open the doors of the new establishment. Later in life, Leslie cared for those in need of companionship, a calling that required and complemented her compassionate nature. She had the uncanny ability to reach people in deep and positive ways. She truly lived life through simple pleasures like taking the time to talk with friends and family, cooking, writing poetry and stories, spending time outdoors, and exploring new areas. She also loved to travel. Leslie completely embraced the “life’s better when laughing” philosophy which was in sync with her quick wit and wicked sense of humor. A lover of music, she appreciated all genres, especially Willie Nelson who she met in person, a memorable moment in her life. Leslie was a sprightly spirit blessed with a sensitive soul. She cared for others, particularly those oppressed or struggling in life. She was an advocate for the YWCA and was so supportive of their mission. She maintained a balance of mind and body through her love of yoga, reiki, meditation, and tai chi. She believed in and benefitted from the power of energy and holistic healing. She was in tune with the universe, yet powerfully prayerful and very spiritual. She loved Fr. Joe and felt at home at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. She was grateful for the very special people who graced her life and loved her unconditionally: her daughters, grandchildren, sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She held each of them in her heart in a unique way. Leslie is survived by her partner, Frank; her daughters and their loves, Kristen and Kent Rasmussen, and Melissa Wagner and fiancé Michael Noonan; her grandchildren, Brittany Philbrook; Emily Rasmussen, Lukas Rasmussen; Jeffrey Wagner; and Katarina, Dylan, and Olivia Lewis; great-grandson, Quincy Philbrook; and sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Donald Stevener. Always close to her heart was the memory of her sister, Jacqueline Rinaldo; her brother and sister-in-law, Vernon and Catherine Rinaldo; and her beloved nephew, David F. Rinaldo. She also leaves her nephews and nieces, especially Karyn Vitagliano who was not only her niece, but her goddaughter who started her nickname Aunt Shish, and Gail (Seminaro) Williamson with whom she shared a sister-like relationship; nephews, Derek, Steven, Scott, and Michael Rinaldo, and their families; great-nieces, great-nephews, and many beloved cousins including Lynette Cunningham, Rick Fowler along with many other cousins who shared her life and monthly dinner gatherings, and her numerous lifelong friends who journeyed with her. The family extends their sincere thanks to the staffs of the MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center ER and 3rd Floor, and the Regional Cancer Center; Stacey Jaskolka/NP, Dr. Francis Constantine, Dr. Christopher Max; and the Siegenthaler Center for providing a peaceful, protective environment and empathetic angels who played an important part in caring for Leslie with dignity and grace. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Leslie’s Memorial Service and Celebration of Life which will be held on Friday morning, December 14th at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Evelyn’s House, a program of Kids Oneida, online at https://www.kidsoneida.org/programs/evelyn-s-house/ or the YWCA online at http://ywcamv.org; envelopes will also be available at the service. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Long Time Sun by Snatam Kaur [Verse 1] May the long time sun Shine upon you All love surround you And the pure light Within you Guide your way on Guide your way on [Verse 2] May the long time sun Shine upon you All love surround you And the pure light Within you Guide your way on Guide your way on Guide your way on Guide your way on [Verse 3] May the long time sun Shine upon you All love surround you And the pure light Within you Guide your way on Guide your way on Guide your way on Guide your way on Guide your way on Your way on Way on Way on Your way on Guide your way on https://youtu.be/T1D3ejwQiVg

Leslie J. (Rinaldo) Lewis Matteson

November 25, 1945 - December 4, 2018