Ann Pricken

Ann M. (Matarrese) Pricken, 82 of Marlboro, MA passed away peacefully, Wednesday, November 21st in the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, Worcester, MA surrounded by her family. Ann's husband of 52 years, Frederick W. Pricken, passed away in March, 2002. She is survived by her devoted children, Paula-Ann M. Pricken and her husband C. Robert Matthews of Shrewsbury, MA and John D. Pricken of Morris Plains, NJ; a brother, Frank McCarthy of Quincy, IL; seven grandchildren, Danielle, Matthew and Alexandra Pricken and John, Timothy, Peter and Cora Matthews; two great grandchildren, Faith and Angela Matthews; and many nieces and nephews. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Ann was the daughter of Dominick and Pauline (Sgobba) Matarrese. She grew up in Fairlawn, NJ, attending St John's High School in Paterson and the Julliard School of Music in New York City where she majored in voice, piano, violin, viola and organ. She lived in Elmwood Park, NJ for many years before retiring to Hemlock Farms, PA and then Sun City Center, FL. She moved to Marlboro, MA three years ago to be near her family. Ann's family was the center of her life, followed closely by her love of music, church worship and helping others in need. She served as Music Director and Church Organist at the St. Therese R.C. Church in Paterson, NJ. She also taught music at St. Therese Grammar School and St. Bonaventure High School, Paterson, NJ and St. Paul's Lutheran School in Stroudsburg, PA. Ann was a founding member of the Association of Church Musicians for the Paterson R.C. Diocese. She also helped form the St. Therese Action Committee, founded to improve race relations and provide educational assistance to low income families in Paterson. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, December 7, 11:00 AM in the chapel at New Horizons, Marlboro MA. A second memorial mass will be held the following day, Saturday, December 8th at 12 noon in the Assumption Catholic Church, 91 Maple Ave. Morristown, NJ 07960. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Rose Monahan Hospice, 10 Judith St. Worcester, MA 01602.