Katherine Ann "Kathy" Matyi (nee:Bower), 78, peacefully entered eternal rest on July 13, 2022, at home with her daughter and beloved dog by her side. Katherine was born to the late Horace and Katherine Diffendale Bower in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Shortly thereafter her family relocated to and resided in Cliffwood Beach, NJ. In 1971 Kathy and her husband Edward built a home for their family in the Clara Barton Section of Edison where she resided until her death.

After graduating from Harold G. Hoffman High School in South Amboy, NJ in 1961 Katherine went off to work at several different jobs along the way, but some of her favorite jobs included Prudential in Newark, and Eastern Airlines, in Woodbridge where she was a reservationist, but her favorite job was as a 911 dispatcher at Metuchen Police Dept. where she ultimately retired from in 2000. She met many good friends along the way. Above all her most rewarding role in life was being a wife and mother.

As a child she enjoyed spending time with her siblings the most. Growing up close to the ocean, she enjoyed the outdoors, spending time with her family on their boat, playing with her friends and attending social events.

In 1959, The commanding officer of the Sandy Hook Coast Guard station presented Kathy with an award for successfully completing the safe boating course. She was the first female to do so. The ceremony was held at Bahr's Landing Restaurant, Highlands, NJ. Where a newspaper article still hangs on the wall.

She was a Girl Scout, and continued as an adult for thirty years as a troop leader. She loved camping and everything Girl Scouts. She loved the girls like her own children. She kept in touch and was able to see the girls turn into adults then wonderful mothers. This filled her heart with joy. Some of her best friends were other leaders. Off season when the children went back to school the women would go camping. It was some of her favorite memories filled with laughter and comedy.

In addition to her parents, Kathy is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Edward Matyi in 2015, her daughter, Dawn Matyi of Lakewood, CO. in 2021, and several friends she's missed dearly over the years.

She is survived by her daughter, Roseann "Rose" Ward (nee: Matyi) and husband "favorite son in law," Alan of Edison; her sister Joan Dibert and husband Greg of Barnegat, NJ; her brother George and wife, Machelle of Lake Placid, FL. She is also survived by her nieces, nephew and one of her biggest joys, her beloved dog Lucy Lou who gave her mom a kiss shortly before she passed.

Cremation will take place privately. Arrangements are under the direction of the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, Fords, NJ.

From Kathy's family:

"Thank you to all the family and friends for the unconditional love and support over so many years during mom's serious health complications.  Thank you with gratitude and love to mom's doctors, surgeons, genetic counselors, first responders, RWJ VNA and RWJ Home Hospice for years of empathetic support and dedication during the personal calls and texts."