Lillian Matteucci

Lillian Matteucci

1928-2023

Lillian Matteucci passed away on June 15, 2023. She was born Sept. 23, 1928, as Lillian Douglas, in Hamilton, Scotland, to parents Stewart Douglas and Sarah Gribben.

Her youth was divided between living in Hamilton and London, England. During World War II, she and her sister, Nancy, were evacuated to Ballatar, Scotland. While strolling near the royal family’s Balmoral Castle, they met Princess Elizabeth and briefly chatted with the future queen of England.

Lillian became a young actress in London, appearing in episodes of “Jerry’s Place.” Moving to New York City, she worked as a hostess at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

While living in New York she married, Joseph Chorre, aka/Suni Warcloud, a movie actor and professional wrestler. They had two children in Buffalo, N.Y. — Gary Chorre and Ronald Chorre.

Later, upon settling in Albuquerque she remarried local businessman and World War II veteran, Lawrence Matteucci. They had two sons, Derek Matteucci and Thomas Matteucci.

Those who loved Lillian can attest to her being a kind, generous and social person, as evidenced by her volunteer work in various organizations including, St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Assistance League, Casa Angelica, the Daughters of the British Empire and as a teacher’s aide at East Side Elementary School.

After raising her children, she moved to Belen where she enjoyed many good years.

Lillian was preceded in death by her four sisters, Isa Archer, Sadie Rocks, Mary Collins and Nancy Buerger; her husbands, Joseph Chorre and Lawrence Matteucci, and son, Ronald Chorre.

Lillian is survived by sons Gary Chorre of Belen, Derek Matteucci of La Quinta, Calif. and Thomas Matteucci of Santa Barbara, Calif.; also, by her sister’s offspring, Sally Coletto, Sally Collins and Sandra Swenson, Sarah Glatz, Frank Buerger and Eric Buerger, along with families spread around the U.S. and Scotland, including the Albuquerque-based Matteucci family and their many offspring.

Funeral services for Lillian Matteucci are 10 a.m., Saturday, July 8, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum, 7999 Wyoming Blvd., NE, Albuquerque.

A reception celebrating the life of Lillian Matteucci will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 8, at M’tucci’s 25 Restaurant, 4439 Pan American Highway (West I-25 Frontage Road) in Albuquerque.