Joan T. Matiash, 88, passed away peacefully Friday, December 3, 2021 after a long battle with dementia, at Academy Manor in Andover, MA. She was born in Lawrence, MA on September 19, 1933, daughter of the late Joseph and Sophie Martinkus. She was the wife of the late Chester G. Matiash. She spent most of her life in Lawrence. Joan also lived in Laona, Wisconsin fulfilling her husband’s dream of moving back to his home state. After her husband’s death, she returned to New England and spent 22 years in Londonderry, NH.
Joan worked at numerous factories in the Lawrence area, including Lawrence Made Shoe, American Toy, Tyer Rubber/Converse, and Viva/Prince Macaroni. Joan’s main love was her family. She loved sharing the holidays with her family and looked forward to any occasion to get dressed up and showcase her coordinated jewelry. Cooking was another thing that she loved to do and she passed down many of her recipes to her family. She was a member of the Londonderry Senior Center where she enjoyed playing bingo and socializing with other seniors.
In her younger years, Joan enjoyed going to the Polish National Home where she and her husband Chet would clear the floor when they danced the polka. Both Joan and Chet shared a love for animals and adopted many pets over their years.
She is survived by daughter, Elaine Thom and husband Dana of Salem, NH; son Paul Matiash of Londonderry, NH; daughter-in-law, Lisa Matiash of Londonderry, NH; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Joan was predeceased by son, Chester W. Matiash, daughter-in-law, Rita Matiash; sister, Irene Farwell and brother, Francis Martinkus.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Academy Manor for the compassionate care they provided to Joan over the last few years.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH. Mask usage will be at the discretion of each attendee. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am in St. Mark’s Parish, 1 South Road, Londonderry, NH. The burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, 170 May Street, Lawrence, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MSCPA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA.