"Mary, Tom, and Riley, My heart breaks for you and your family with the sad news Mattie has gone to heaven. My prayers are with you all. There is no easy way to proceed with your lives, but remember she is always near. "
In loving memory of
Mattie Eileen Aiello
December 21, 1993 - March 19, 2011
Waunakee-Mattie Eileen Aiello shed her earthly tent as the sun shone gloriously upon this most exquisite being at the exact hour that the morning becomes the day on Saturday March 19, 2011. We are crushed under the weight of her absence but rest in the knowledge of the exquisite rapture that awaited her heavenly arrival. Her body has been set free from the stranglehold of cancer and has joined the soul that leukemia could not steal. She lived her life on her own terms for the past 17 years, 87 days, 6 hours and 13 minutes. She cracked our hearts wide open so we could absorb the beams of love and light she so graciously bestowed. She was compelled by a force we could not see to live her final month as she wished. She traveled to meet her beloved Red Sox in Florida and then on to her first home in Colorado where her heart bloomed in the presence of family and old friends. She has branded us all with the fluorescent intensity of her life. A love shine so bright that we couldnt possibly turn away or ever forget. We have no words for the gratitude we feel for the nurses and doctors at AFCH, HospiceCare, for friends new and old, family by blood, family by friendship, her beloved dog Sparkles who would not leave her side, and the most beautiful assemblage of teenagers our hearts have ever known. She is survived by her beloved family including her parents, Thomas & Mary (Nickels) Aiello; her bother, Riley; paternal grandmother, Dolores (Richard) Aiello-Gormley; maternal grandfather, Carl (Mac) Nickels, Jr.; aunts and uncles, Paul (Randi) Aiello Jr., Joanne Aiello, Kathy (Dan) Romero, Rick (Barb) Nickels, Paul (Colleen) Nickels, Chip (Pam) Nickels, Chris (Jackie) Nickels and Carrie Nickels; cousins, other relatives and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Paul Aiello, maternal grandmother, Mary Nickels and an uncle, John Nickels. A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 4-8:00 p.m. at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, Waunakee. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 5763 Hwy Q, Waunakee with Pastor Kirk W. Morledge presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the "Make A Wish Foundation" or to Leukemia Research at American Family Childrens Hospital would be appreciated.
Tributes
"In the short time I knew Mattie, I could tell that she was a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. I am happy that you got to be with her when she came into this world and when she left this world. I couldn't imagine losing a child so am sending prayers full of love and strength to all of you. With all of you in heart and mind. Love, Kim, Nick, Emma & Aidan Galesic "
"Dear Tom and Mary and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that you are in the hearts and minds of many in your time of need. May God enfold you in the mantle of His love. An olde Irish Wish. With loving and prayerful thoughts, John and Darlene (Hart) Barry"
"Aiello Family, my heart is filled with sorrow with your profound loss. I am praying for all of you. God Bless Mattie, an inspirational young lady, and your family. Sheri Martinez"
"To the Madi Aliello Family, Please accept my condolences. Her life must be unique one! A special daughter that you have her for 17 years! She is reunited with my daughter, Samara. Let their wings grow bigger and soar to everywhere! I love you girls! I wish I had words that could make your pain less. But at least you know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve. In sympathy, Michelle L. Stricklen Mother of Samara Stricklen (Dec 6, 1989~March 13, 2007)"