Wanda Helen, nee Harris, Mattea, 88, was an educator and school counselor who characterized her style as student-oriented and worked with many, many, many students throughout the Unit 10 School District for 28 years. Upon her retirement, she became office manager of Mattea Law Firm for 17 years, all the time, placing her family first in all areas. Family always meant the most to her. A heart attack ensued in 2008 which she never fully recovered, and she passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2017, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

Wanda was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on May 15, 1929 and later moved with her parents and sisters to a rural setting in Caseyville, IL. As a young girl, she was an avid reader. This continued with her many friends and acquaintance at the Collinsville Library. She graduated from Collinsville High School in 1947. She married Carl W. Mattea on September 24, 1947 in East St. Louis, IL.

Wanda earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master’s Degree, and an Administrative Certification at Southern Illinois University. In 1971, Wanda was recruited from teaching English to become a district wide counselor. She later became a high school guidance counselor where she was able to benefit many students who otherwise may not have graduated. Her work as a counselor was recognized for her insight and optimism concerning students who were not operating at their full potential.

She was also known to have written and participated in numerous programs benefitting the district. One of her successes of which she was most proud, was the “PUPS” program. Her teaching career was marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, and civility towards both students and her teaching colleagues.

In subsequent years, she was invited to be a guest speaker at numerous education conferences. During her brief retirement, she often read as many as five books per week. Wanda was a member of the Blum House Book Club, Friends of the Library, St. Stephen Catholic Church, Illinois Retired Teacher’s Association, and prided herself on walking two miles per week with the Mileage Club at St. John’s Church.

In 1991, upon her and her husband’s return from Italy where they traveled to visit family, Wanda became office manager for the Mattea Law Firm where she worked full time subsequent her retirement. As office manager, she made use of her counseling and diverse background to assist and befriend many clients. She was an advocate of and had great personal interest in grandparents/parental rights.


Wanda’s talents and interests were innumerable. She was a lover of art, travel, books, politics, pets, sports and interacting with her family. Wanda became known locally as something of an expert in antique dolls and would only show her prize collection to those with whom she had a special connection and totally trusted. While not at work managing a law firm, this developed into a fulfilling pastime.

Her inquiring nature caused her to participate in the Collinsville Library genealogical program where she was able to trace her family’s immigration from Scotland to Baltimore in 1790 through New Harmony, IN, the Civil War and to Wayne County, IL, where her grandfather had an extensive farm. Her father, Sydney Harris, not having an interest in farming, moved to East St. Louis, IL in 1920 where he met Wanda’s mother, Helen Layton, and the two were married in 1927. As a result of that marriage, Wanda has two wonderful sisters, Juanita Warren of Coatesville, PA and Wilma Fortner of Bergman, AR.

Even after being caused to suffer a heart attack, she still maintained an active interest and curiosity in reading and exploring, including the St. Louis Art Museum and in particular the pre-Columbian art exhibits. Wanda’s long and prolific career in the workforce, as a life-long student in all areas of endeavor and as a mentor has forever made an impression on those with whom she interacted. She spent her final days surrounded by her adoring family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Mattea and is survived by two sons, Bruce Mattea and Roger (Janet) Mattea; her four cherished grandchildren, Justin B. Mattea, Julia B. Giacoletto, Trevor Mattea, and Chelsea Mattea; her great-grandson, Ian Giacoletto; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends and her close friend and sister-in-law, Michelina M. Hoad of Philadelphia, PA; and her beloved chocolate lab, “Lady”. Wanda was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend, who was loved and cherished.

In numerous conversations, Wanda discussed her life philosophy, “Each day can be a new adventure.” She observed, “People come and go. What you’ve done and how you’ve lived your life is what remains.”

Memorial donations may be made to Metro East Lab Rescue. Condolences may be expressed through this online guestbook.


Visitation: Friends may call at the Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, Illinois from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday October 15, 2017.

Service: Funeral services will be conducted on Monday at the funeral home at 11;30 AM With Rev. Jim Donahue officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Shiloh, Illinois.