Matilda R. Moreck

Matilda (Tillie) Rita Moreck RN

Matilda Moreck, 97, formerly of Cooper Street, Courtdale, passed away with her daughter Maureen at her bedside on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Wesley Village, Pittston, PA, after a short illness. She was recently a resident of The Village at Greenbriar, Dallas, PA. She was the widow of the late John A. Moreck, Sr., who died August 14, 1973. The couple was married for 26 years at the time of his death.

Born in Pringle, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Verna Katchmar Menziff. She was a graduate of St. John’s Parochial School and of Luzerne High School in 1943. In 1946, she graduated from the Nesbitt School of Nursing. She enrolled in the United States Nurse Corps during World War II. She was employed as a Registered Nurse by the Leader Nursing Center, Kingston, for over 22 years. After retirement, she was a volunteer with the Medical Mission Sisters Samaritan Program in Philadelphia, PA, from 1990 to 1995.

Matilda was a member of St. John Nepomucene Church for many years where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society as well as the church choir. She was currently a member of Holy Family Parish, Luzerne.

Matilda was a devout Catholic for her entire life and she was an active church member. Particularly dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, she was always known for her endless rosaries and special Novenas when any family member or friend were in need of help with prayers. She was proud of all her grandchildren, but especially proud of her great-grandchildren always asking about them on her nightly calls with her children. In particular, her youngest great grandson, Jacob, would immediately bring a wide smile on her face when mentioned or when explaining his picture to visitors.

Known fondly as “Gramma Tillie” to grandchildren, “Aunt Till” to nieces, nephews and family, “Tillie” to her friends, she was always welcoming, supportive and witty. Tillie also had a love for gardening and was always proud of her flowers and garden at Cooper Street. She was always eager to offer advice or tips to anyone who asked. She was a skilled seamstress who made and repaired clothes for family and friends. She enjoyed teaching her craft to her nieces who valued her help with this skill. She also delighted in providing warmth to many family and friends over the years with her colorful crocheted afghans.

Surrounded by close family in her final days, she continually made them smile at her “one liners” making everyone, including care providers, laugh at her jokes while being amazed at her memory.

Surviving are daughters, Maureen Murphy, Hughestown, PA; Nancy Moreck, O’Fallon, MO; sons, Richard and wife, Carol (Novajosky), Berlin, MD; John, Dallas, PA; eight grandchildren, Kelli Walsh (John), James Murphy, Jennifer Riordan (Rob), Paul Murphy (Dawnelle), Alyssa Rice (Nicholas), Ashley Fox (Joshua), Aaron Moreck (Erin), Alexis Castellani (Greg); granddogs, Pogo & Sam; ten great grandchildren, John Walsh (Marissa), Paul Jr. “PJ” Murphy, Samantha Nelson, Brycen & Maverick Rice, Jacob Fox, Caden & Avery Moreck, Addy & Lilly Castellani; Sisters, Emily Evans, Wyoming, PA; Joni Nesgoda, Sebastian, FL; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Matilda was preceded in death by her husband John A. Moreck; infant granddaughter, Karen Murphy; sisters, Helen Survilla, Elaine Evansky; son in law, Paul Murphy Sr.

The funeral will be held Saturday, September 23, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. from Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Ltd, 568 Bennett Street, Luzerne. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:15 a.m. in Holy Family Parish. Interment will be in St. Ignatius Church, Pringle. Friends may call Friday from 5-8 p.m.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Matilda’s caretakers and medical staff at The Village at Greenbriar, Wesley Village Rehab and Geisinger PCU.