Martha I. (Terpko) Matisko

Martha I. (Terpko) Matisko, 89, of New Kensington, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 30, 2020 in her home under the care of her family.  She was born in 1931, in Jeannette, Pa and was a daughter of the late Michael and Julia (Wozny) Terpko.  Martha graduated from Jeannette High School in 1948 and worked at Firestone and Bell Telephone.  After marrying her husband John in 1955, they began their lives together in New Kensington raising their three children.  Through the years, she also worked part time as a sales representative for several area department stores, as well as, for Home Interiors and Gifts. Together, Martha and John enthusiastically remodeled their New Kensington home and planted beautiful gardens.  Martha was a talented painter, quilt maker, wood carver and needle crafter – she tried her hand at many forms of arts and crafts and excelled at all.  She will be remembered for her passion for learning, art gardening and all things creative.  Most of all, Martha loved her Lord Jesus and participated in Bible studies as a student and teacher all of her life.  She was an active member of Puckety United Presbyterian Church in Lower Burrell and loved spending time with her church family.  Once John retired, they joined the Westinghouse Retirees group and enjoyed bus trips to various vacation spots with friends including New York, Cape Cod and Michigan.  Together Martha and John celebrated many milestones including their Golden, 60th and 65th Wedding Anniversaries.  Martha was thrilled when family and friends came together at their home to celebrate John’s 90th birthday in May of 2019.  In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her brothers, Steve, Michael, George and John and by her daughter-in-law Julia (Kraft) Matisko.  She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, John Matisko, sister Nellie (Terpko) Papinchak, of Jeannette, children Michael of Newburgh, Indiana, Diana (James) Porcelli, of Pittsburgh and David of Valparaiso, Indiana; treasured and adored grandchildren Michael (Kaitlyn) Porcelli of Birmingham, AL; Alexandria Matisko of Columbus, OH, Alex Porcelli of Nashville, TN, Louis Matisko and Samantha Matisko of Valparaiso, IN; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.  She leaves a legacy of love, compassion and beautiful art for her family to enjoy.  Due to COVID, the family will hold a private service on Friday at the Frank F. Gigler Funeral Home, Inc., Robert P. Karish, Supervisor, 2877 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell, PA.  The family is planning a zoom memorial meeting at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of Martha to Puckety UP Church or Meal on Wheels of Lower Burrell, 1009 Puckety Church Road, Lower Burrell, PA 15068 or to a charity of one’s own choosing.  Condolences are welcome at www.giglerfuneralhome.com

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