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BORN
1931
DIED
2024
Aileen Matuk Obituary
1931 2024
NIHAD MIKE MATUK
1934 2023
Aileen Ruth Matuk, a cherished figure in the medical community for over four decades, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication. Born on April 7, 1931, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Hugh and Margaret Graves, Aileen pursued her passion for healing by obtaining a degree in Chemistry from Dalhousie University, followed by attending University of Toronto, School of Medicine.
Settling in Bakersfield, California, Aileen completed her medical internship at Kern Medical Center and her residency in Internal Medicine at Kaiser Sunset in Los Angeles. In 1976, she embarked on a fulfilling career in private practice, caring for countless patients across the city, both in outpatient settings and within hospitals, well into her 80s.
Aileen's professional journey was intertwined with her personal life, as she shared her passion for medicine with her husband, Mike (Nihad) Matuk, whom she married in 1958. Together, they established her practice and worked side by side, forming a bond that lasted until Mike's passing just five months prior. Mike also dedicated himself to farming almonds for over two decades, reflecting their shared commitment to hard work and community.
Beyond their professional endeavors, Aileen and Mike found joy in each other's company, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in her office and enjoying travels overseas and to Las Vegas. They shared a love for rescuing animals, caring for over 20 pets throughout their lives.
Aileen and Mike are survived by her children David and Robin, daughter-in-law Dana, and three grandchildren: Hunter, Lauren, and Taylor.
Their memories will be honored through a Celebration of Life on April 14, 2024 at 1 pm. For those interested in attending, details can be obtained by emailing [email protected]
Aileen's unwavering commitment to her patients, her enduring partnership with Mike, and her boundless compassion for both humans and animals leave an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers please donate in their honor to the cat rescue.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Aileen Matuk
Mary Van Fleet
July 15, 2025
I had no idea Dr Matuk had passed. She was one-of-kind!!! She was my doctor for over 30 years! In 2007 I had a brain aneurism and without her I would not be here today. I remember going to see her was not just a doctor, visit in and out in 5 minutes like it is today...there was no physicians assistant, no nurse practitioner, you saw her, the doctor! She knew your name, your husband´s name, your children´s names...it took hours (I would bring a snack), but it was ALWAYS worth the wait. She never rushed you in and out. You had her undivided attention for as long as it took. I would chat with Mike about traveling or gambling...he always invited us to go with them to Vegas!!!
There will never be another doctor like Aileen Matuk! She was one for the ages. Rest in peace!
Olivia De Anda-Forte
March 12, 2025
Dr Matuk was the best Dr I have ever known. She was so genuine and personal. Not one Dr has ever been like Dr Matuk, maybe they had 7 minutes! My family and I will never forget such a grand Dr as Dr Matuk. My grandparents, my parents, and my husband, and daughter were so fortunate to have Dr Matuk for our Doctor. God bless everyone in Dr Matuk's family.
Mary Halberg
February 14, 2025
Dr Matuk was the best doctor ever - so much compassion, so knowledgeable and confident. I miss her caring soul every day
Catherine Bruhl
July 9, 2024
Dr. Matuk cared for my mom, Rosemary Goon, back in the 70´s when she went to her for a second opinion. My mom was a nurse at Mercy, she worked the night shift and Dr Matuk convinced her to come see her at her office to examine a lump that she was told was a cyst and "nothing to worry about". In essence Dr Matuk gave us 10 extra years we would not have had if she hadn´t insisted on my mom coming to her office. A biopsy showed a malignant Breast tumor and she had a radical mastectomy within the week. I will always be grateful to Dr Matuk! RIP and thank you, Cathy Bruhl
Teresa Johns
June 25, 2024
I am so thankful for Dr. Matuk and her husband Mike as they were the best medical team ever! I am fortunate that I received beyond excellent care from them. They always took their time to address my concerns and were truly compassionate. They were also wonderful human beings that made me feel better just speaking with them. Dr. Matuk was so knowledgeable while Mike was always ready with a quick and happy comment. They were truly the best that Bakersfield had to offer and unfortunately, there isn't a replacement! Thank you Robin for sharing your amazing parents with us!
Michael O´Meara
June 21, 2024
Fond wishes to her family from ours. Dr. Matuk was integral to the O´Meara family well-being for many years and really truly cared for people. Ah, the brightness in her eyes when a problem was solved! Thank you, Aileen and Mike from one realm to the other.
Kelly mcnamara
June 20, 2024
Well to this day I wish I knew word for word what it said in the frame.
I´m sorry if you have to wait please understand the patient requires extra care and you would receive the same as he is just as special as you are....
I read it a million times in that waiting room and now have something similar written on a sign in my office for my patients! Can anyone here remind me becase if you were waiting( hours) you´d of read it!
I was her patient for 30+ years. I last seen her and Mike in 2017 with my grandpa during his cancer battle...
I loved them. I still carry her good ethics into my practice today. I learnt so much from her-
Yet I refused to have her same handwriting!!!
RIP
KELLY MCNAMARA
SYDNEY AU
Sandra Robles
April 25, 2024
Doctor Matuk was my doctor and my mother's for many years. We both cared for her very much. She brought us through some serios illnesses which I am grateful. We shared some great stories about her childhood, about yard sales and cats. My sincere condolences to her family. I miss her.
Julie Collins, RN
April 15, 2024
I´m so sorry to just be reading this today, 4/15. My heartfelt condolence to her family and especially to Robin. Dr Matuk was an amazing woman. She was alway interesting and was ready to share any helpful advice or information to anyone who asked. I can see why her patients loved her. She was a wonderful and unique person. May God comfort her family in the days ahead.
Evelyn and Victor Cotera
April 15, 2024
Dr Matuk was such a beautiful person treated us so special especially my husband whenever we needed her she was there she was truly one of kind condolences and prayers to the family
Marti Roberts
April 14, 2024
Dr. Matuk was my doctor for many years. It was always comforting to be welcomed by Mike in the office. I felt like they really cared and spent many hours making sure I was given the best care and personal attention for my needs. She was an answer to prayer for me, and I will always appreciate her care, concern, and compassion.
The Sauter Family
April 12, 2024
My deepest sympathies for your losses. We will alway remember mother´s kindness and your father´s warmth and smile. Prayers and hugs to you all.
Vickie Martin
April 6, 2024
Dr. Matuk was fabulous !! Not only was she a brilliant doctor but a very caring one as well. Just seeing her made you feel better... she will be greatly missed.
carol selig
April 6, 2024
so sorry for the loss of our beloved sister...rest in peace...never forgotten
Yvonne Graves Neal
April 6, 2024
So sorry for the loss of Uncle Mike and Aunt Aileen from your Uncle Richard´s family in Nova Scotia
Karen Cunningham
April 6, 2024
I started going to Dr. Matuk when I was 16 years old. She had just taken over Dr. Douds practice. My family continued to go to Dr. Matuk until my family moved to Texas. She was not only a brilliant physician but compassionate, kind and an amazing human being. She always answered my calls at 3 in the morning when my father was being treated for leukemia. She took care of my husband when he had Valley Fever. I loved our conversations and found it so funny when Mike would come knocking on the exam door. I enjoyed planning her family trips. I will always be thankful for her care. Robin and David I am sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for your family.
Helene & Bob Beckering Vinckers Carol Selig
April 6, 2024
Dr. Matuk was our sister and she was from a large family. We and her many nephews and nieces will miss her forever. She was not only a brilliant doctor but a loving and caring sister. You are at peace now. Lovingly remembered. Carol and Helene
Mary E. Halberg
April 6, 2024
RIP Dr. Matuk you were the best! Dr. Matuk was definitely devoted to her profession. Dr. Matuk treated each patient as "special" and had the best bedside manner. Dr. Matuk even accepted evening calls after a long day caring for her patients - she was a wonderful doctor and person and will be missed!
Tonya Howze
April 6, 2024
Dr Matuk was a touchstone for many of our family, she was brilliant when it came to diagnosing
any problem. She cared deeply about healing you as a whole person. She was as much a therapist as a physician. She had a gift of making you feel as if you were the only person that mattered and never rushed you to get to the answers she sought. I treasured her advice and wisdom. Rest in peace Dr. Matuk and Mike.
Kathy Jo Wade
April 4, 2024
Thank you Dr. Matuk for the wonderful care you gave my mother and me. No matter the problem, you never gave up. You are one of Bakersfield's best doctors ever, and will be greatly missed.
Susan helper
April 4, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Have many memories of her late nights at the hospital. Caring brilliant physician.
Sue and Steve Helper
Vicki Morris
April 4, 2024
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Matuk in the loss of both VERY special parents. What exceptional medical and personal care I received from both, beginning in 1982. As a truly compassionate and invested physician, Dr. Matuk was truly interested in the well being of her patients. She treated each as if they were the most important to her. Her always-full Waiting Room was a testament to her loyalty, commitment and exemplary care. May she and Mike now together have their shared rest.
Vicki Morris
Newport Beach
Becky Armas
April 4, 2024
There are not enough words to describe Dr. Matuk. She took care of my family for decades. She was a one of a kind Dr who always went above and beyond to care for her patients. If you had an issue, she would get you in that day to be seen. That is unheard of these days. You may have had to wait a bit, but you always knew you would be taken care of. We always visited with Mike while waiting. They were both just kind, caring people. Our family loved her and Mike and they will be missed so much. Our condolences to the family.
With Love, Becky Armas
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