Katherine Matychak of St. Vladimir's Church in Lopez fell asleep in the Lord on September 24, 2010. Katherine is the mother of Andrea Anderson, the V. Rev. Andrew Matychak and Mother Christophora, Abbess of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City.

Obituary 

Katherine Gulick Matychak, 83, of Lopez, fell asleep in the Lord on September 24, 2010 at Robert Packer Hospital, after being stricken in her home earlier that day. 

 She was born March 8, 1927, the daughter of William K. and Mary Dzamma Gulick. Katherine was a lifelong resident of Lopez, having attended local schools and worked briefly before marriage for the Weldon Manufacturing Company.

 Katherine married Andrew Matychak of Mildred in 1947 and served lovingly and faithfully as his beloved wife and mother to their three children. She also extended her love to many around her in the neighborhood, town, her large extended family and her many friends. Baking was her hobby and no one left her home empty handed. Neighbors and friends were always welcome to stop by. She considered no one company – all were family to her.

 Katherine was a member of St. Vladimir Orthodox Church all her life, serving the church as she was able and in particular as a faithful choir member since her teen years. For many years she directed the acappella choir until she was one of the few remaining members. She continued to sing responses to the church services, often by herself, even on her last Sunday on this earth. Her love for God and His Church was coupled with her love for her family and friends.

 Katherine was predeceased by her parents and husband, her brothers: infant Victor, John, William, Stephen and Leo; and sisters: Olga Vukov, Helen Groshel, Anna Cylvick and Alice Dworsky. 

 Surviving are her children: V. Rev. Gary Andrew (Georgette) Matychak of Altoona, Rev. Mother Abbess Christophora (nee Kathleen)of Ellwood City, and Andrea (Joseph) Anderson of Denver, PA and grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jon-Paul (Jennifer) Matychak, and their children Abigail and Andrew of Pittsburgh; Thomas and Kristin (Anderson) Iwancio of Harrisburg and Joshua and Melinda Anderson of Reading, PA. She is also survived by her brother, Victor, Liverpool, NY, her sister Julia Rosnick, Lancaster, PA and by all of the nuns of The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA, who affectionately called her their “Grams.”

 Katherine lay at state in her own home, where she was born and where she lived her entire life, from Sunday afternoon until Monday evening, and was visited by many neighbors, children and out of town friends. On Monday evening her body was escorted two blocks to St. Vladimir Church led by the nuns singing various funeral and paschal hymns. That evening a Panikhida was served by Hieromonk Michael Thier, pastor, V. Rev. Daniel Kovalak, Dean, and her son, Fr. Andrew. On Tuesday morning visitation continued before the 11:00 Funeral Service, officiated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Tikhon of the Diocese of Eastern PA and eight priests. Responses were sung by the sisters of Transfiguration Monastery. A homily was offered by Bishop Tikhon with a eulogy by her son. Burial was at St. Vladimir Parish Cemetery followed by a lovely repast offered at the family home. Katherine’s last baked goods were among the offerings to all who visited. Sun shone warmly on the burial and afternoon gathering, following a morning of heavy rain. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Simon S. Russin Funeral Home, Plains, PA.