Loretta Matakovich

Loretta Matakovich passed away following a lengthy illness on the morning of Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at the age of 90 while being cared for in the hospice unit at Amherst Manor in Amherst, Ohio.

Born December 18, 1930, in Lorain to the late Stanley and Anna (nee Kobielarczyk) Narowski, she lived in Lorain her entire life and graduated in 1948 from Lorain High School.  Loretta was a childhood member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish and married Robert George Matakovich

on July 11, 1953.  Thru the years, Loretta worked for Weitz Sewing Factory, Zig’s Meat Market, and National Pharmacy; her longest employment of 20 years was with Lorain City Schools. 

Loretta enjoyed many passions in her lifetime; the greatest love was being with her family and sharing her gift to genuinely connect with others.  There wasn’t a person she met that was a stranger.  Loretta was known for cooking the most delicious meals and hosting the most wonderful holiday celebrations!  She always had a weekly Sunday dinner prepared in case anyone stopped over for a visit.  For over 50 years, Loretta met monthly and planned trips with her beloved club girls, made craft projects, traveled on bus trips, toured other states, played local church bingo, and engaged in every celebration of life that she could.  Spending quality time with her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends was always welcomed.  She invested herself in the daily lives of her nine grandchildren and created so many special and amazing memories with each of them.  Loretta defined positive!  Like a fine wine, she aged eloquently over time.  Her physical presence, influential love, and unwavering positive spirit will forever be cherished and missed by all that knew and loved her. 

She is survived by her children, Karin Fortner of Amherst, OH, Robert “Bob” (Sandy) Matakovich of Amherst, OH, Martin “Marty” (Lisa) Matakovich of Bay Village, OH, and John “Johnny” (Lauri) Matakovich of Lorain, OH;  grandchildren, Ashley Fortner of Lorain, OH, Kaitlynn Fortner of Amarillo, TX, Anthony (Linda) Matakovich of North Ridgeville, OH, Andrew Matakovich and Allen Matakovich both of Amherst, OH, Mitchell Matakovich and Lauren Matakovich both of Bay Village, OH, John Matakovich and Emily Matakovich both of Lorain.

Besides her parents, Loretta was also preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Robert in 2007; brothers, Anthony “Sonny” Narowski, Albin Narowski, and Frank Bigos; sisters, Mary Domino, Helen Rupnik, Frances Supeck, and Stella Weber; nieces, Gayle Weber and Linda Weber; sister-in-law, Stella Bigos (nee Seroka); brothers-in-law, Louis Domino, John Rupnik, Stanley Supeck, and Arthur Weber.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral and Cremation Specialists, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain.  Funeral services will be Monday at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Gerald Keller will officiate.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.