Anna Rose Matweecha

Anna Rose Matweecha, 95, passed away Sunday, one day shy of her 96th birthday.

Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Biaggio and Louise (Logudice) Pugliese and was a member of Annunciation Parish at St. Gabriel's Church, Hazleton.

Anna Rose was a devout Catholic who had a deep and strong devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was passionate about her faith, attending Mass and reciting the rosary daily.

She did not have the title of a nurse, but she cared for others as if she was one. Anna Rose took care of her mother, her five children and for many years she managed her husband's care at home while he battled with his illness.

She had such enthusiasm for baking and cooking. She will always be remembered for her faithful and delicious Italian Sunday dinners with her family and guests. Spaghetti and meatballs were one of her specialties. No one left her house on an empty stomach or without a takeout meal.

Christmas and Easter were her two favorite holidays. For Christmas she went all out with cookies of every type. She would have competitions with her sister, Libby, and brother, Tommy, to see who had the best decorated tree. Easter was no different with all the homemade Easter eggs and homemade bread she made. She enjoyed doing all of it for her family. She also enjoyed going to bingo and shopping.

Most people who knew her enjoyed her sense of humor and quick wit. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband, Paul Matweecha, on May 29, 1994; brothers, Alex, Thomas, Anthony, Francie and Vincent Pugliese; and sisters, Christina Gaultieri, Isabelle McMahon, Lucille Valasa and Elizabeth Goulstone.

A sincere thank you goes out to all the people who spent time with her and to her special friends who watched over her, Jeanie, Mary Jo, Leslie, Rose and Susan.

Surviving are her daughters, Louise Matweecha, Hazleton; Paula Scatton and her husband, Thomas, Hazleton; and Anna Rose Derewicz and her husband, Michael, Breinigsville; sons, Francis Matweecha and his wife, Betty Lou, Hazleton; and Paul Matweecha and his wife, Mariola, Maryland; grandchildren, Denise, Kristen, Jeffrey, Tiffany, Nina, Selina, Justin and Radek; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Alex, Greyson, Annika, Damian, Giorgio, Gia, Gavin and Donato; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private viewing will be held for the immediate family Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for all to attend at 10 a.m. Friday at Annunciation Parish at St. Gabriel's Church, followed by interment in St. Gabriel's Cemetery.

The family asks to honor and respect their wishes by everyone wearing a mask and practicing social distancing during the Mass.

Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton, with Tom Boyle assisting, is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent through www.moranfuneral

home.com.