Obituary of Vitalia Matyckas

Obituary for Vitalia  Matyckas

Vitalia (Vita) Matyckas, passed away peacefully at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Somerset in Somerville, New Jersey, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, with her son, Edward, by her side.  She was a woman of remarkable resilience and unwavering devotion to her family.

Born in Panevėžys, Lithuania, Vita spent her early years in her homeland until the age of 10, when she and her family were forced to flee the Soviet invasion. She often recounted the harrowing journey of walking to Germany, leaving behind everything she had known. For six years, she and her family lived in displaced persons (DP) camps before finally settling in Brooklyn, New York, where they began a new chapter.

In 1956, Vita married the love of her life, Stanley Matyckas, and together they moved to the New Market section of Piscataway. In 1965, they settled in Warren, New Jersey, where she would spend the rest of her life.

Tragically, in 1971, Vita‘s world was forever changed when her beloved Stanley passed away suddenly at the age of 38, leaving her to raise their four young children on her own. Despite this immense loss, she demonstrated incredible strength, ensuring her children were well cared for and given every opportunity to succeed. Once they were older, she pursued higher education, earning an associate degree in accounting from Somerset County College (now Raritan Valley Community College).  She then embarked on a successful career at City Federal Bank in Somerset, where she worked for many years.

Beyond her professional and familial devotion, Vita was a woman of many passions. She was an avid tennis player, a dedicated dog lover who always had poodles or greyhounds by her side, and a devoted shopper who cherished outings with her daughter, Maria. Her strength, kindness, and determination left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Vita was predeceased by her husband, Stanley; and her beloved daughter, Maria Hough. She is survived by her three sons, Algis and his wife, Caren, Edward, and Raymond; her cherished granddaughters, Ona and Lina; and her great-grandchildren, Oliver and Liam. She is also survived by her brother, Jonas, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

A Funeral Mass to honor and celebrate Vita’s life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Mount Chapel in Warren, New Jersey. She will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Stanley, at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Vita’s enduring spirit and generosity.

Vita Matyckas’ life was defined by courage, perseverance, and boundless love for her family. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.