Irene (Matasovsky) Matuschak
0000363987-01-1.jpg 0000363987-01-2.jpg Irene (Matasovsky) Matuschhak, teacher, author, and cultural activist, died peacefully at her home in Uniontown, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 23, 2009 at the age of 98. B o r n on September 14, 1911 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania she was the daughter of Joseph Matasovsky and Anna (Martin) Matasovsky and the wife of the Honorable Joseph P. Matuschak Sr.
In 2008, she authored and published the book, “The Abandoned Ones: The Tragic Story of Slovakia’s Spis and Orava Regions, 1919-1948.” The historical account, relying on previously unpublished original sources and documents, was favorably reviewed by researchers and scholars in the U.S. and abroad, eliciting a letter of congratulations from Ivan Gasparovic, President of Slovakia, who called it “a rare and unique work.”
As a member of a prominent Slovak-American family, she was a woman of many accomplishments and inspired leadership. At her death, she was an Honorary Supreme Officer of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, a national fraternal organization of Slovak-Americans, having served more than 25 years as the organization’s physical fitness director for women. She was also an Honorary Officer of Group 6 and President of the Uniontown Assembly for that organization and was named the 1988 National “Fraternalist of the Year” in recognition of outstanding volunteer service.
With her brother, Joseph M. Matasovsky, she produced and narrated a bilingual radio program, “Melodia: The Musical Voice of the People” on WCVI radio in Connellsville Pennsylvania during the 1950s This program featured folk and classical music by Slovak composers.
In her youth, Irene was a member of the Saint Matthew Parish in Pittsburgh and also attended the parish school.
During an extended family visit to Slovakia in the 1920s, she studied at the Gymnasia in Spisska Nova Ves.
Later, Irene received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from the University of Pittsburgh and pursued graduate studies at West Virginia University.
An athlete and physical education teacher for much of her life, she was invited to be a gymnastics judge at the 1948 Olympics in London. She was a gymnast and athlete with the Amateur Athletic Union, the Slovak Catholic Sokol, First Catholic Slovak Union, the Swiss Turners, and the American Turners. Irene competed successfully in many gymnastic and athletic competitions and exhibitions.
She was also a very gifted choreographer who composed and taught rhythmic compositions to thousands of women and girls across the country. She organized gymnastic meets and presented national exhibitions of rhythmic calisthenics and dance.
Locally, she taught physical education, gymnastics and dance at Saint Mary’s School, Mount St. Macrina Academy, and other private and public schools in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
Well known for her creativity and sense of drama, Irene organized many holiday celebrations for the St. Mary’s Parish Christian Mothers and The Catholic Daughters of America as well as countless dinners and festivals focused on her Slovak heritage.
Generations of her students remember her insistence on precision and quality performance, which she exemplified in her own work. Those who knew her well remember her frequent question to them, “Are you living up to your potential?”
Irene was predeceased by her parents, by her husband, the Honorable Joseph P. Matuschak Sr., and by her son, Joseph P. Matuschak Jr.
She is survived by her children: Irene Matuschak Egan of Burlington, Massachusetts, George Marion Matuschak, M.D., of St. Louis, Missouri and Mark Matuschak, Esq., of Marblehead, Massachusetts; also by six grandchildren: Christopher Joseph Egan, Esq., Hope Anne Egan, Esq., Andrew Martin Matuschak, Nicholas Noyes Matuschak, Alexander Joseph Matuschak, and Jennie Irene Matuschak; also by nieces and nephews of the Novak, Piroch, Molinaro, Macko, Bussoletti, and Levin families.
The family will receive friends in the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME INC 603 North Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, Pa. today (Monday, October 26) from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 until 9:15 a.m
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in Saint Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church, 61 North Mount Vernon Avenue, Uniontown, with Rev. Father Micah E. Kozoil as Celebrant.
Interment will be follow in Mount Macrina Cemetery, Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Sisters of St. Basil, Mount Saint Macrina, 500 West Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401.
Parish Wake Service will be held in the Funeral Home this afternoon at 3 p.m.
Saint Mary’s Confraternity of Christian Mothers will recite the Rosary in the Funeral Home today at 3:30 p.m.
Your personal written tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com