Jacqueline "Jackie" DeMattia Batista, 42, longtime resident of New Milford, died peacefully November 2, in her home surrounded by loving family after a long and difficult battle with brain cancer. She was born November 21, 1974, in Yonkers, N.Y., daughter of Dianne (Lauricella) and Ronald DeMattia.

Her parents; her husband, Steve Batista; son, Matthew Batista; siblings, Ron DeMattia, Jr, Jennifer Distefano, Suzanne DeMattia, and Michele DeMattia; father-in-law, Eduardo Batista of Newtown; mother-in-law, Maria (Teixeira) Batista of New Milford; brother-in-law, Alex Halim; and sister-in-law, Amanda Halim, survive her.

Ms Batista graduated from Dover High School in New York in 1992 and briefly attended Western Connecticut State University before realizing her true artistic ability in hairdressing.

Her loved ones say she was the very centerpiece of a closely knit, loving family and that her presence will always be longed for and missed by heavy hearts. She was extremely close with all six of her nieces and nephews and loved nothing more than to spoil and dote on the ones around her and afar.

Ms Batista will be remembered for her radiant smile and ability to light up a room anywhere she went. Her witty sense of humor and easy-going personality were undoubtedly seen by family, friends, and acquaintances. Ms Batista was a servant of the Lord and her loved ones say she is surely rejoicing in love with Him up above. She happily served at Faith Church as a volunteer and thoroughly enjoyed making others smile.

A memorial service was conducted November 6 at Faith Church, New Milford, followed by interment at St Lawrence O'Toole Cemetery in Brewster, N.Y.

Memorial contributions can be made to Faith Church at

faithchurch.cc.