Sandra Mattera Memorial Foundation, Inc.

Help us honor, remember and celebrate the life of Sandra Mattera and to continue to help others succeed in tribute of her memory.

Sandra Mattera, "Sandy", was born on February 21, 1985. She was the oldest of five children born to Catherine Romania and Nicholas Mattera and is survived by her siblings Nicholas, Jessica, Joseph and Thomas. Sandy attended Packanack Lake and Theunis Dey Elementary Schools in Wayne, NJ. Upon graduating Schuyler Colfax Middle School, she received the "Make a Difference" award for all of her school and community involvement and never stopped making a difference.

While attending Wayne Hills High School, she starred in both the musical and drama theatre productions, was the marching band drum major and the alto and soprano saxophone soloist in many musical ensembles, led Masque & Gavel, participated in Girls State, competed in FBLA and varsity fencing and was a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She graduated from Wayne Hills High School in 2003 with honors and earned many awards including the 'Semper Fidelis' award in recognition of diligence, dedication and musical excellence as a performing high school bandsman and soloist.

She went on to graduate with honors from the Stern School of Business at New York University in 2007, majoring in Finance and Spanish. While attending NYU she acted as an orientation leader mentoring incoming freshmen. She worked for Banc of America Securities in New York City as an investment banking analyst before joining Canoe Ventures as manager of business planning and development.

Sandy had a passion for the performing arts. She was an award winning vocalist who loved to sing especially when her grandpa played guitar and with the St. Mary's youth choir in Pompton Lakes, NJ. She adored koala bears, especially her favorite stuffed bear, Carmel, smiley faces and penguins. Sandy enjoyed traveling, particularly the time she spent living in Spain, and Broadway shows.

Sandy had many different facets and was successful in any area she chose to explore. She also made the people around her successful, whether it was supporting them in their goals or challenging them to be better at whatever they chose to do. Sandy would argue with you no matter what side of an argument you took, in this way challenging you to see the other side of an issue. Sandy pretended to have a tough exterior but to her friends and family she was a sympathetic ear that they could always turn to. Sandy also always knew how to help whether with a kind word, a strategic plan or a dose of reality. Sandy was a natural and gifted leader. She possessed independence and determination. She mentored and influenced many people and will continue to have an impact on so many of us on a daily basis.

Sandy died on December 17, 2011 at the young age of 26. She is greatly missed by her loving family and friends.

For more information or to make a donation, contact:

Sandra Mattera Memorial Foundation, Inc.

c/o Catherine Romania, Esq., Witman Stadtmauer, P.A.

26 Columbia Turnpike, Suite 100, Florham Park, New Jersey 07932

romania.catherine@gmail.com

Sandra Mattera Memorial Foundation, Inc. is classified as a non-profit tax exempt private foundation under IRC §501(c)(3) and §509(a). Contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law