Victoria Lucas Matsakis

Victoria "Vicky" Lucas Matsakis, beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully, Saturday, October 9, 2021, in Ellicott City, Md., at the age of 95.

She was born at 49 Blaine Avenue, Canonsburg, on September 20, 1926 to Steve and Helen Woodyard Lucas.

Along with brothers Thomas and half brother Pete, she was raised by their father and stepmother Zafira Lucas in a tightly knit hardworking Greek-American immigrant community.

During the Second World War, she worked soldering radio circuit boards at the RCA assembly plant.

Her mother and father passed away in 1952. On June 28, 1953 she married her long time sweetheart Constantinos (Gus) D. Matsakis in Canonsburg. Together they raised their three sons Demetrios-James, Steven, and Nicholas-Constantinos in Rutherford, N.J.

Vicky was a homemaker while Executive Chef Gus Matsakis owned and operated the Bonfire Restaurant in Paterson, N.J.

They made many friends in the Greek community, N.J. restaurant business, and Rutherford over the years, while Vicky also retained long term relationships with her beloved Canonsburg.

Vicky was known for being a hard worker with lots of energy, keeping everything ship-shape, and for "telling you like it is!"

She worked as a drill press operator at a local factory where she was commended for being among their most productive. She's remembered fondly for her wonderful Greek cooking and dedication to raising her family.

Upon Gus's death in 1986, she continued to reside at their 97 Darwin Avenue, Rutherford, N.J. home until 2012 when she moved to her son "Jimmy's" in Ellicott City, Md. Two years later she moved to the dementia care unit at Morningside House of Ellicott City where she resided until her death.

Vicky is survived by her sons Demetrios and Nicholas; brother Pete Lucas; daughters-in-law Rebecca, Mary, and Diane; and grandchildren Constantine, Gabriel, Louise, and Timothy.

She was preceded in death by her husband Constantine "Gus"; brother Thomas; and her son Steven.

Viewing will be held on Sunday, October 17, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Macagna-Diffily-Onorato Funeral Home, 41 Ames Avenue, Rutherford, N.J.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 18, at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Clifton, N.J.

Vicky will be interred at the Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst, N.J. alongside her beloved husband and son Steven.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association: www.alz.org

www.macagnadiffilyonoratofuneralhome.com