Matilda Carmela Abate Scheib

Matilda Carmela Abate Scheib, 95, died on Monday, December 4th, 2017. Matilda was born on July 16, 1922, in Newburgh, New York, to Sigismunda (Josie) and Nicholas Abate. The youngest of three children, Matilda grew up in the Bronx and graduated from Cathedral High School at 16. She earned a degree in the Classics from Hunter College and embarked on a teaching career, while working on her Masters degree in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. As a young woman, she taught at elementary schools in Raritan, NJ and New York City. After meeting him at a YMCA dance in the late 1940's, Matilda married John Scheib, Jr., an electrical engineer, in 1948. They settled in Elmsford, NY, to raise their three children, Elaine, John Philip, and Paul. Matilda became a substitute teacher in the Elmsford Public Schools, and served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and a Cub Scout Den Mother. Later she returned to full time teaching in the Tarrytown Public Schools. After their children were grown Matilda and John enjoyed traveling to many countries, attending the theatre, and volunteering. For many years they headed the sandwich brigade, a group of retirees who met at St. Joseph of Arimathea Church to pack lunches for the homeless. Matilda also led the Woman's Workshop, a group of women who sewed together, making articles for Rosary Hill. Matilda continued to enjoy baking, cooking, and sewing up until a few weeks before she died. Matilda was a member of both Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church and St. Joseph of Arimathea Episcopal Church and, for many years, she attended both services every Sunday. Matilda was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Anthony Abate, sister Joanna Gallo, and her husband John Scheib, who died in 2014. She is survived by her children Elaine Mann (Ben), John P. Scheib, and Paul Scheib (Karen); her grandchildren Peter Mann (Marissa Kunz), Melissa Mann (David Rachlin), Eric Scheib, Ryan Scheib, and Caroline Schieb; her great granddaughter Adelaide Rachlin; and six nephews and nieces and their descendants. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 15th, at 2:00 pm at St. Joseph of Arimathea Church, 2172 Saw Mill River Road, White Plains, NY. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Church.