Erma I. Matuszczak

Port Leyden – Erma I. Matuszczak, 81, of Elm St., wife of Robert S., passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Crouse Irving Medical Center, Syracuse.

Erma was born on January 22, 1944 in Boonville, a daughter of Leon and Julia DeVoe Brooks. She grew up in Boonville where she received her education. On November 10, 1962, Erma was united in marriage with Robert S. Matuszczak at St. Martin’s Church, Port Leyden. Through the years Erma was employed at Lally Manufacturing, Port Leyden, Ethan Allen, Boonville and Lock 96 in Port Leyden. For 27 years Erma and Bob were the owners of and operated Hotel Richard in Port Leyden.

She was an avid painter, and also enjoyed indoor/outdoor gardening, playing bingo and scrabble, playing cards and enjoying time with friends. She had a passion for sewing and crafts, and will be fondly remembered for her talented card making skills, which she always remembered to mail out on time. In her younger years she also enjoyed playing horseshoes and working Thursday’s at the Port Leyden Fire Hall on bingo night. She was also a poll worker for local elections. In later years Erma worked for a volunteer driving service out of Watertown.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years Robert, her five children: Terry (Steve) Zehr, New Hampshire, Robert S. Matuszczak, Jr., Port Leyden, Kelly (Doug) Olmstead, Lowville, Steven (Kim) Matuszczak, Port Leyden, and Kim (Ricky) Redmond, Glenfield; nine grandchildren: Marcus (Janine), Megan, and Mitchell Zehr; Kayla (Ben) Krop, Colin (Darelle) Olmstead, Heather (Travis) Axtell; Tyler Matuszczak, Stephanie Redmond, and Brady Redmond, and 14 great-grandchildren who all loved their grandmother dearly. Also surviving are sisters: Linda (Cleon) Peebles, and Noreen Stacy. She was predeceased by her siblings: Bruce Brooks, Jeanne Mooney, Joanne Levensailor, Sally Urtz, sister-in-law: Peg Brooks, and brothers-in-law: Russ Urtz, and Richard Stacy.

In keeping with Erma’s wishes, and in the spirit of helping others, she had graciously donated her body to the anatomical gift program at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse. There will be no services per her request. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewis County Humane Society, P.O. Box # 682, Lowville, New York 13367.

Funeral Arrangements are in care of the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where online messages of sympathy may be expressed at www.trainorfuneralhome.com.