Obituary for Mary Matichak
Mary Florence Matichak age 97 passed away peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2021 surrounded by her family. She was born on December 26, 1924 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. She was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Eliza (Kennedy) and Daniel MacDonald of Fairmont, Nova Scotia. Mary married Stephen Matichak of Ranshaw, PA on August 19, 1945.
Mary and Stephen were introduced while visiting respective family members in Patterson, New Jersey. They moved to and lived the majority of their married life in Pottstown, Pennsylvania where they raised their five children. They were members of St. Aloysius Parish where Mary supported many parish activities including preparing and serving dinner for the Bishop during a visit to the parish. Mary and her family would travel ‘home’ to Nova Scotia most summers so that they could spend time with her family on the farm where she grew up. Mary Florence, as she was known there, was always so happy to bring arm loads of presents from ‘the states’ to all of her relatives.
Mary obtained her teaching certificate in Canada and taught grades one through twelve before moving to the states. Mary retired from Manatawny Manor, Pottstown, Pennsylvania where she cared for the elderly and made many great friends. She was a self-taught seamstress and was always complimented on the beautiful clothing she created for her children. She was constantly sewing or mending something for her family. She loved to cook and was an excellent baker with her specialty being apple pie. She would prepare a big Sunday meal each week for all family who could be there. She made Christmas, holidays and birthdays special celebrations for her children and later for grandchildren. She loved to shop and was always ready to go shopping at a minute’s notice.
She is survived by their children Barbara Ann (Larry McCoog decd.), Steven D. (Alina Szypula), Catherine Elizabeth (Jeff Funston), Ursula Margaret (Thomas Gard). She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Preston, Cameron Harper, Dana, John, Paula Abigail, Peter James, Franklin Matichak, S. Alden Funston, Brendan, Oliver, Jelena, Finlay Gard. Three great-grandchildren: Marvin Matichak, Stephen Ko, William Ryu Matichak. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout Canada and the states.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Stephen, December 23, 2009, and her daughter Mary Deborah Harper (Brad), December 21, 2010, brothers Danny, Eddie, Colin Joseph, George and sisters Betty Curry, Winnie MacDonald, half-brothers, Jack and Colin McDonald, half sisters Mamie McDonald, Kate Milbury and Annie Boyd.
The family wishes to thank all of the healthcare providers, Home Helpers, and Residential Hospice. The family was blessed and grateful for Mary’s long-time care companion Deanna Dietz.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3435 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA with Rev. Neil S. Sullivan as Celebrant. Burial will be held in Nova Scotia at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123, www.cancer.org, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, www.parkinsons.org.
Mary and Stephen were introduced while visiting respective family members in Patterson, New Jersey. They moved to and lived the majority of their married life in Pottstown, Pennsylvania where they raised their five children. They were members of St. Aloysius Parish where Mary supported many parish activities including preparing and serving dinner for the Bishop during a visit to the parish. Mary and her family would travel ‘home’ to Nova Scotia most summers so that they could spend time with her family on the farm where she grew up. Mary Florence, as she was known there, was always so happy to bring arm loads of presents from ‘the states’ to all of her relatives.
Mary obtained her teaching certificate in Canada and taught grades one through twelve before moving to the states. Mary retired from Manatawny Manor, Pottstown, Pennsylvania where she cared for the elderly and made many great friends. She was a self-taught seamstress and was always complimented on the beautiful clothing she created for her children. She was constantly sewing or mending something for her family. She loved to cook and was an excellent baker with her specialty being apple pie. She would prepare a big Sunday meal each week for all family who could be there. She made Christmas, holidays and birthdays special celebrations for her children and later for grandchildren. She loved to shop and was always ready to go shopping at a minute’s notice.
She is survived by their children Barbara Ann (Larry McCoog decd.), Steven D. (Alina Szypula), Catherine Elizabeth (Jeff Funston), Ursula Margaret (Thomas Gard). She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Preston, Cameron Harper, Dana, John, Paula Abigail, Peter James, Franklin Matichak, S. Alden Funston, Brendan, Oliver, Jelena, Finlay Gard. Three great-grandchildren: Marvin Matichak, Stephen Ko, William Ryu Matichak. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout Canada and the states.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Stephen, December 23, 2009, and her daughter Mary Deborah Harper (Brad), December 21, 2010, brothers Danny, Eddie, Colin Joseph, George and sisters Betty Curry, Winnie MacDonald, half-brothers, Jack and Colin McDonald, half sisters Mamie McDonald, Kate Milbury and Annie Boyd.
The family wishes to thank all of the healthcare providers, Home Helpers, and Residential Hospice. The family was blessed and grateful for Mary’s long-time care companion Deanna Dietz.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3435 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA with Rev. Neil S. Sullivan as Celebrant. Burial will be held in Nova Scotia at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123, www.cancer.org, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, www.parkinsons.org.