Helen Matlosz

Helen Gayga Matlosz, 89, of Pennington, NJ passed away Friday morning, June 3, 2011 at Moberly Community Hospital.

Visitation will be at 12 noon at the Pickering Funeral Home, Saturday, June 18, in Mexico, MO. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m., Rev. Randall Sawyer officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Helen was born on April 27, 1922, in Elizabeth, NJ to Emma and Alexander Gayga. She was married to Henry S. Matlosz Sr. on August 2, 1943 in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Helen contributed to the WWII effort by working in an aviation plant. After the war, Helen and her husband ran a successful grocery business for 36 years in Elizabeth NJ. Helen and Henry were the parents of three sons. Helen was a devoted mother and took an active role in her sons' activities. She was also a tremendous cook, and helped organize several gourmet clubs as well as other social activities. One of Helen's gourmet specialties was Hungarian cuisine. She also spoke fluent Hungarian.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry S. Matlosz Sr., in December 2010; and her son, William A. Matlosz, in January 2011. She is survived by her son, Henry S. Matlosz Jr., and wife Patricia; son, David W. Matlosz; grandson, Ian C. Matlosz, and wife Janelle; granddaughter, Hillary Matlosz, and husband Clifford Fowler; great-granddaughter Hailey Gastler; granddaughter Jessica Matlosz and fiancée Tracy Weber; sister Ethel Blaine; and William's partner Tom Tappen.