Phyllis T. Mattheis

Mrs. Phyllis T. Kloss Mattheis died peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2025 surrounded by family at her home in Verona, NJ. She was 89 years old.

The wake will be held in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Monday, January 27 from 4 to 7 pm. The Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday 10 am in Our Lady of the Lake Church, 28 Lakeside Avenue, Verona. Please park in the Montrose Avenue church lot. Burial will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Caldwell.

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, she was the oldest of eight children. She grew up on Claremont Avenue, in a house that is still in the family and has been for over 100 years.

Throughout her life she had worked at a variety of jobs, depending on the interests and challenges at any particular time. Of the many positions she held, she worked in a local Chicago hospital, in administration and the medical lab. She continued her interest in the medical field when she moved to California and worked for an OB, helping to deliver babies. After a couple of years she moved back to Chicago and finally accepted one of Harley’s numerous marriage proposals. They went on to have seven children and moved to Verona, New Jersey.

She was very active at Our Lady of the Lake School (OLL), both volunteering and working and was fortunate to make lifelong friends there. She got to combine her passion for Christmas and dedication to OLL through the Holly Bazaar. It was her favorite event of the year and she had such wonderful memories of those days.
She was also a member of The Home School Association and rolled up her sleeves for the OLL work weekends. She worked as an assistant in the Learning Center, as a school secretary, a substitute teacher and taught CCD.

Real estate was another passion. Together with her friends Joan and Eleanor, they formed The House of Willoughby and owned apartment buildings and co-ops in Brooklyn and East Orange during the 80’s. Oh the stories she told of their days of being landlords!
In keeping with her interest in real estate, her last job was with Dico Building Inspection in Verona.

Phyllis was a student of life, both taking college courses and being a voracious reader. She loved spirited intellectual debates, classical music and sharp wit. Her generous nature was evident in the way she always welcomed anyone to her home and the dinner table. There was always room for one more, it was always a good time and always filled with laughter!

She was predeceased by her husband, Harley H. Mattheis and her brothers, Terrence Kloss and Raymond Kloss.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Colin Mattheis (Sherri), Craig Mattheis (Ingrid), Garret Mattheis, Kelly Mattheis (Ivan), Christopher Mattheis, Meegan Belcher, Erin Mattheis Manne (Joseph); her siblings, Dennis Kloss, Sheila Kloss, Polly Hannigan, Michael Kloss, Kevin Kloss; seven grandchildren, Tyler, Charlotte, Chloe, Cass, Liam, Laurel, Erika and one great-grandchild, Wyla.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to the Holy Spirit Food Pantry, 36 Gould Street, Verona NJ 07044 would be appreciated.

Condolences, memories and pictures can be uploaded to this obituary page.