Melinda L. Matuza

74, passed on peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. Beloved wife of John J. Matuza Jr., loving mother of Kate A. Matuza and the late John J. Matuza III, grandmother of Sydney Jacklyn. Daughter of Charles Lamb and the late Betty Lou (Smith) Lamb, sister of the late Teena (Lamb) Villarroel, and Martha (Lamb) Copp. She was an aunt, sister-in-law and cousin to numerous relatives. Melinda was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida and the Virginia Commonwealth University. After graduation she moved to Rhode Island and spent the greater part of her life there. She worked as a Social Worker for the State of Rhode Island and 33 years as a Social Worker for the Town of South Kingstown School Department. Melinda spent the last ten years splitting her time between Rotonda West, Florida and Wakefield, Rhode Island. She was an avid gardener and photographer, specializing in orchids. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours from 4 to 6 on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, in Avery Storti Funeral Home Columbia St., Wakefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High St., Wakefield, Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 10 am. Burial to follow at St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jonnycake Center, Peace Dale, RI.