Patricia "Penny" Matuszak

Patricia "Penny" Matuszak, née Paul, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 15, 2022, at the age of 75.
Born and raised in Detroit, she remained in southeast Michigan all her life. Pat valued education from the start; she graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Education, and subsequently earned two Masters degrees to enhance her career in teaching.
For 40 years she poured her heart and soul into the education of elementary school children in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade in the St. Clair Shores School District. She also spent time as a special education teacher. Pat had patience beyond belief, and an invaluable talent for adapting lessons to meet individual students' needs. Connecting with kids and being able to reach each and every one was her true passion.
Her selflessness and nurturing nature were reared early and often through the love imparted by her late parents, Albert and Pat Paul.
Patricia met the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, as a young teen. Robert Matuszak was the neighborhood paperboy and swept her off her feet and stole her heart. After dating for 9 years, the couple shared the most beautiful and enviable 51-year marriage. Penny and Bob were inextricably connected from the first throw of that evening paper to Penny's final moments with us.
She was the proud and doting mother of two children, Meghan Matuszak (fiancé Slobodan Djordjevic) of Huntington Woods, MI, and Ryan Matuszak (Bryan Tackett) of Chicago, IL.
In addition to her loving husband and children, she leaves behind a precious granddaughter, Maeve, who at the young age of 1 already shares her grandma's obsession with giraffes and everything Irish.
Pat had a radiant and genuine smile that could light up any room, and an inner peace that could calm and warm any heart. She will be remembered for being the "rock" of her family - so tolerant and caring. She was always there for Bob, Meghan, and Ryan no matter what. Despite her absence, her strength will carry us through.
Family will receive friends Wednesday, August 17, 3-8 PM at A.J. Desmond and Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd, Troy (between Maple and Big Beaver), 248-362-2500. Scripture service at 7 PM.
Funeral Mass Friday, August 19, 11 AM at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, 771 Old Perch Rd, Rochester Hills. Visitation at church begins at 10:30 AM. Please know that there is construction on Old Perch Rd and only north bound traffic is permitted.
Memorial Tributes to Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Organization for Women Educators https://www.alphadeltakappa.org/ADK/ADKMembers/Foundation/Donate/Donate.aspx?hkey=b8914804-a137-4e39-9f34-63712b5f58ad