Joan Louise Matte

Joan Louise Matte, age 69, of Bryant, passed away September 8, 2015. She was born in Southbridge, MA September 19, 1945 to the late Frank and Josephine Silvestri. She was a retired dance teacher of over 40 years and attended Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Benton. Mrs. Matte worked with the youth choir at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Little Rock and was a long standing member of Notre Dame in Southbridge. Joan founded and ran a non-profit dance troup called Little City Cloggers in Southbridge in the 1990's. She and her father founded The Highland Twirlers, a drum and fife marching troup that performed nationally. She is survived by her husband, John Matte; one son, Jonathan Matte and wife, Kristi of Little Rock; two grandchildren, Damian and Rayna Matte; one brother, Francis Silvestri and wife, Susan of Richmond, N.H.; one niece, Lisetta Silvestri; one nephew, Edwin James, and numerous other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2015 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Benton with Father Y.C. Irudayaraj officiating. Interment will follow at Smith Rosemont Cemetery in Benton. The family will receive friends after 9 a.m. Friday morning at Our Lady of Fatima. Arrangements provided by Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047). Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.