Toni-Lea Matson, 54, of Charlestown, Massachusetts, entered into eternal life on July 2, 2025, after a fiercely courageous battle with brain cancer. A true warrior in life, Toni-Lea also overcame breast cancer and lived with Lupus for many years—facing each trial with quiet strength and the determination to never give up. She fought with everything she had, refusing to surrender until her very last breath.
Born on April 27, 1971, in Boston, Massachusetts, Toni-Lea was named after her grandparents, Anthony and Leatta Mancuso. She was the eldest child of Barbie Matson (Mancuso) and later her stepfather, Neil Gillis. As the oldest of eight siblings, Toni-Lea took on the role of second mother ,helping to raise her younger siblings, who all called her “Sis” with deep affection and gratitude for her endless compassion and support.
She leaves behind her two beloved sons, Jacob Boutilier and Braeden Cousens. Despite years of illness, she cared for them with patience, tenderness, and all the love she had to give.
Toni-Lea had a strong will, an independent spirit, and a spark of wildness that made her unforgettable. She lived life on her own terms and held tightly to the people and passions she loved. Her heart was made for caretaking—always looking after others, loving animals, and finding peace in gardening, where she could nurture and grow something beautiful even in life’s hardest seasons.
She is survived by her sons, Jacob Boutilier and Braeden Cousens; her siblings, David Matson, Nicole Matson, Jillian Corbett (Gillis) and her husband Ryan Corbett, Barbara Gillis, and Lindsey Ruyevcan (Gillis); her many nieces and nephews whom she adored; her father, Neil Gillis Sr.; her uncle, David Mancuso; and her beloved pets, Shady and Jack.
She was predeceased by her mother, Barbara Matson (Mancuso), and her brothers, Anthony Matson and Neil Gillis Jr., whose memories she carried with her always.
Toni-Lea will be remembered for her wild spirit and creative soul. She will be deeply missed at her weekly coffee hours with her aunts, Debbie Lang (Mancuso) and Minnie Fornash; at her girls’ nights with her cousins and lifelong best friends, Jennifer Kelley and Linda Saia; by her beloved friend, Doreen Johnson; and by her many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who loved her dearly.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Toni-Lea's Funeral Mass on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 10A.M. in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown. Her burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Tony-Lea's name to:
Anthony's Dream
P.O. Box 290814
Charlestown, MA 02129