Obituary of Barbara Matyola

March 3, 1936 – August 14, 2024 

Barbara “Bobbie” Matyola, 88, of Rockaway, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024. Born in Dover, New Jersey, Barbara was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. 

Barbara was predeceased by her cherished husband, Frank Matyola, and her dear sister, Margaret “Peggy” Zaycer. She is survived by her loving children: Brian and his fiancé Terri, Mary and her husband Bob, and Mark and his wife Lianne. Her grandchildren—Katie, Victoria, Kalista and her husband Matthew, Dianna, Tatiana and her husband Kyle, Michael and his fiancée Jenna, Anastasia and her fiancée Robert, and Erin—were the pride of her life, as were her three great-grandchildren: Charlie, Jack, and Helen. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will fondly remember her. 

A proud graduate of Dover High School Class of 1954, Barbara met Frank Matyola at Mount Hope Pond, where he worked as a lifeguard. Their enduring love led to marriage in 1958 and a life of shared joy. Together, they raised their family in the North Dover section of town, close to her sister, Peggy, and her family, before moving to Mount Hope in Rockaway Township in 1978.    

Barbara was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Wharton and later, St. Bernard Church in Rockaway, and her faith was a great source of comfort.  She also dedicated many years to North Dover Elementary School as a teacher’s aide, touching the lives of countless students and families before her retirement in 1990.  

Her greatest joy, however, was her family.  “Mema” delighted in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating cherished memories that will live on in their hearts.  Gatherings at “Mema and Opu’s House” were filled with love, laughter, and delicious meals, creating lasting memories for all who visited. She also found immense joy in vacationing in Delaware with her children and grandchildren, cherishing those special times together on the beach.   

Barbara’s warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.  Visitation will be held at Tuttle Funeral Home 272 Rt 10 Randolph NJ 07869 from 2pm-6pm on Sunday August 18, 2024, and a Funeral Service will be held at St. Bernard Church, 22 St. Bernard Rd, Wharton, NJ 07885, on Monday August 19, 2024, at 11:00am. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s RC Cemetery in Dover. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Charlie’s Journey.  Checks payable to Tom MacDonald, 91 Randolph Ave, Dover, NJ 07801 in Barbara’s memory.