CANTON -- On November 14, 2023, we lost an important part of our family, Thelma R. Matott, age 86, at North Country Rehab and Nursing Center in Massena, after battling a short bout with cancer.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at Jerusalem Cemetery in Canton.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Massena.

Thelma was born on January 29, 1937, in Chazy, NY, the daughter of Ralph and Doris Turnbull Matott.

She graduated from Hugh C. Williams High School, and after graduation, she worked at the Kraft Cheese Plant in Sherburne.

She moved back to Canton to take care of her parents; she worked on the family farm.

After her parents passed away, she became the caretaker of her brother, Leland until his passing.

Thelma worked for many years as the Assistant Manager at Dairy Queen in Canton until her retirement.

She is survived by her two sisters, Alaine McGill of Hailesboro and Elaine Terry, of Canton, and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brothers, Lloyd, Owen, Burton, Clinton, and Leland, and her sisters, Genevieve Wilma, and Joyce Durham.

Even though Thelma had no children of her own, she was a second mother to many of us. She was a kind and giving person who was always there when we needed her most.

Thelma loved to do crossword puzzles and word searches. She enjoyed going outside and mowing her yard and planting flowers, and she was quite the card shark at playing rummy.

Memorial donations in Thelma’s memory may be made to the Potsdam Humane Society; 17 Madrid Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Friends and family are invited to leave condolences for Thelma’s family at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.