Wendy A. Mattheson

Wendy Ann Farelli Mattheson Ayala passed away suddenly surrounded by family on Friday, July 22, 2022, from a rare illness.

Wendy was born on July 26, 1975, in Methuen, MA, and she was a radiant little girl from the minute she was born. She graduated in 1994 from Greater Lawrence Technical School with a certification in cosmetology. Since then, Wendy has practiced licensed cosmetology and was never seen without her hair done and her lipstick on. Professionally, she was most recently employed as a devoted and skilled caretaker.

In her life, Wendy learned and taught the importance of communication. Her voice could be heard every day around Pleasant Valley in Methuen, chatting with her loved ones about daily life while on the phone. The simple joys in life fulfilled her, like tanning in the warm summer sun and watching her children swim in the pool. Never wanting someone to feel forgotten, Wendy remembered every birthday and kept up with an enormous circle of family, loved ones, and treasured friends.

Above all else, Wendy lived for her children. Her lively house overflowed with toys, both for her youngest two girls and for her beloved dog, Chewy. As a result of this and many spilled juice boxes, she had a custom of washing her floors several times per day. If one of her kids needed an appointment made or an errand done, it was taken care of in an instant. Each day, her children’s phones rang non stop as she checked in on them, making sure that they were always safe and sound.

Wendy was widely known in her community, and she was loved by everyone. She will be deeply missed by her large and close-knit family, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories.

Wendy is survived by her children, John D. and Jessica M. Mattheson of Derry, NH and Arianna K. and Alexa M. Ayala of Methuen, MA. Her mother Kathleen and step-father Stephen Parolisi of Methuen, MA, along with her father Robert and step-mother Lorraine Farelli. Her beloved sister Dana and brother-in-law Kristopher McCarthy of Haverhill, MA, along with her cherished brother Mark and sister-in-law Ashleigh Parolisi of Haverhill, MA, and her adored sister Kelli and brother-in-law Fernando Acevedo of Methuen, MA. She is also survived by her devoted fiancé Paul Ayala of Methuen, MA. In addition, she is survived by her former husband John D. Mattheson of Derry, NH. Furthermore, she leaves behind innumerable nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Family and friends are graciously invited to visiting hours at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen, MA, on Friday, July 29, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. A service will follow at noon in the funeral home. The family kindly requests that masks be worn. The service will be followed immediately by burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Wendy may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105 Northfield, Illinois 60093.