Pamela Q. Mateu

Pamela Mateu of Quincy died peacefully at the Dr. Ruth McLean Hospice Home on September 17, 2024. She was 77. 

Pamela was the loving wife of her devoted husband of 17 years, George M. Walsh of Quincy. She is survived by her beloved sons James Mateu of Milton and John Mateu of Boston, and their father José Mateu of Bourne. Pamela was the caring mother-in-law of Victoria Mateu and the adored grandmother “Nana” of her grandchildren Clara and William Mateu, all of Milton. She was the cherished sister of Margaret Quinlan of Braintree and Lee Beavers of Northboro. Pamela is also survived by her caring step children Andrew Walsh and his wife Cyndy of Virginia and Stephanie Walsh of Quincy. Treasured aunt of Emma Beavers of London, England and Isabel Beavers of California. 

Pamela was born in Boston on February 28th, 1947, and grew up in Quincy. She attended Quincy Public Schools and was a cheerleader at Quincy High School alongside her best friend of 60 years Janet Kane. She graduated from Emmanuel College and went on to pursue a masters degree in Madrid, Spain, where she lived for 10 years. Pamela deeply loved her time in Spain, and brought back home many Spanish traditions, customs, and a terrific paella recipe. Upon returning to Quincy, she became a Spanish and French teacher at North Quincy High School, where she taught for 26 years. She later became Assistant Principal of Broad Meadows Middle School, and then Assistant Principal of North Quincy High School. She was adored by her students, friends and colleagues. Her teaching style was more than just a language lesson; she immersed her students in meaningful Spanish and French cultural experiences through food, music, celebrations, and stories from her travels. As a mother to James and John, she instilled the values of education and family and taught them how to appreciate the richness of life. Pamela centered her sons in everything she did; you could often find her correcting her students' papers in the stands at Quincy rinks and baseball fields. During her retirement she most valued her travels to Europe with her husband George, learning Italian and being with friends and family. Her grandchildren Clara and William brought her incredible joy, and she cherished them by reading books, buying gifts and sneaking them extra cookies.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, from 4 - 7PM at Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St. Quincy. A private Celebration of Life Service and burial will be held at a later date. Flowers can be sent to Keohane Funeral Home for the visitation on September 23rd.