Frances Matteucci

Frances Ruth Matteucci, born Frances Ruth Prochaska, passed away on August 5, 2025, in Stockton, California. She was born on November 8, 1936, in Muscatine, Iowa, to Frank Joseph Prochaska and Ruth Eleanor Fuchs Prochaska. A dedicated Clinical Laboratory Scientist specializing in microbiology, Frances devoted 42 years of service to St. Joseph's Medical Center. Her excellence in the field was recognized with the 2008 Laboratorian of the Year Award from St. Joseph's and the 1998 Susan B. Anthony Women of Achievement Award for Health Care. Frances graduated from Muscatine High School in 1954 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude from Iowa State University. She later pursued graduate studies at the University of the Pacific. Her commitment to lifelong learning extended beyond her own education-she was a volunteer science educator for the STEM Program at the San Joaquin County Office of Education and a passionate volunteer lecturer and educator with the League of Women Voters. Her civic engagement included serving as a member of the San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury from 2018 to 2019. Frances also participated in Toastmasters and Osher Lifelong Learning programs. A woman of adventurous spirit, Frances traveled the world with her beloved second husband, Albert Matteucci. She was an avid helicopter skier, mountaineer, river rafter, and a member of many winning tennis teams. She lived in numerous places throughout her life, including Iowa, New York, Indiana, Colorado, Kentucky, California, and the United Kingdom. Frances treasured and cultivated long-term friendships as she joyfully pursued many athletic, artistic and civic interests with her adventurous group of ski buddies, dedicated tennis friends, Stockton artist collective of painters and scrapbookers, UOP family friends, trusted caregivers, fellow members of the Grand Jury and League of Women's Voters, and her valued laboratory colleagues from St. Joseph's Medical Center. She is survived by her son Maurice Maxwell Franklin McCullen and wife Shannon; daughter Abigail Margaret "Meg" Puccinelli and husband Brian and daughter Karlin Caelie Ruth; five grandchildren; her best friend and sister Carol Ann Saviano; her life-long friend and brother-in-law Joseph Saviano; Prochaska family members in more than six states and her adored pet and companion, Yoda. Her legacy lives on through her family and the many lives she touched through her work, art, athleticism and volunteerism. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her. Please leave your condolences below. Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Matteucci family.