Elizabeth L. Matusek

MOCANAQUA — Elizabeth L. (Betty) Matusek, 83, of Mocanaqua, was called home to everlasting peace finally without pain by her beloved Lord and Savior on Jan. 17, 2017, at Berwick Retirement Village 1, Berwick. She will be very sadly missed by all who loved her.

Born in Mocanaqua on Oct. 13, 1933, she was a daughter of the late George and Louise (Kadtke) Billy. She was a lifelong resident of Mocanaqua.

She graduated from the former Shickshinny High School in 1951, where she was president of her senior class and president of the student council. Upon graduation, she also received the Mocanaqua VFW Citizenship Award. Prior to her retirement in 1996, Betty was employed as a dental assistant for 45 years, working for the late Dr. Walter Kowalski, of Shickshinny, and the late Dr. Richard P. Schell, of Nanticoke.

Betty was a member of the former Ascension Church, Mocanaqua and was currently a member of Holy Spirit Parish/St. Mary's Church, Mocanaqua. She was a member of St. Mary's Sodality and the Ascension and St. Mary's Church choirs.

She enjoyed cooking and singing and was excellent at both. She prepared many delicious meals for her family through the years and loved to watch the Food Network. Betty sang solos at many occasions, including weddings and church Masses. Her soprano voice was beautiful. She was also a devout Phillies fan and loved to watch the games, especially with her late husband, Joseph, and her great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was spending time with her friends and family, most importantly her great-grandchildren, Joey, Jacob, Elizabeth and Cory. She loved reading and singing to them and watching them play baseball. They were her pride and joy.

Betty spent her whole life caring for her family and will be remembered for her kind and loving nature. She will also be remembered for her great personality and cheerful laugh. Her quick wit always brought a smile to everyone.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Joseph Matusek, who died Nov. 16, 2012; and a sister, Gertrude Billy.

She is survived by her two daughters, Kathryn Bartkiewicz and husband, Walter, of Hunlock Creek, and Mary Beth Elliott, of Mocanaqua, and her husband, Daniel, of Catlett, Va.; two grandchildren, Christa and Rachel Bartkiewicz, Hunlock Creek; four great-grandchildren, Joey, Jacob and Elizabeth Noss and Cory Ronczka, of Hunlock Creek; brother-in-law John Matusek, of Mocanaqua; sister-in-law Bernadine Matusek, of Benton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank Tracy and the staff at Bayada Home Health Care; Tracy, Alicia, Robin and all the staff at Berwick Retirement Village 1; Dr. Pavel Pribula and staff; and the staff at Commonwealth Hospice of Berwick for the excellent care they provided to Elizabeth.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at the Mayo Funeral Home Inc., 77 N. Main St., Shickshinny, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Spirit Parish/St. Mary's Church, Mocanaqua, with her pastor, the Rev. Louis Kaminski, as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Mocanaqua. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. For additional information, or to send condolences, please visit www.mayofh.com.