Irene A. (Matisik) Murray

MURRAY – Irene A., of Johnstown, PA passed away at Arbutus Park Manor. She was born June 28, 1917 in Johnstown, the daughter of Edward and Nellie (Koval) Matisik. Preceded in death by her husband, William C. Murray; son, Dennis; son, Jerry; son-in-law, George; brothers, Albert and Robert; and sisters: Margaret Klink and Clara Soltis. She is survived by three children, Janice Hanzel, Johnstown; William and Janet (Moore) of Baltimore, MD; and James and Lori of Reading, PA. Also eleven grandchildren: George, William, Thomas, Gregory Hanzel; Shannon Murray; Susan, Christopher, Erin Murray; Jerry Murray; Kearsten, Ryan, Courtney Murray, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Irene’s parents owned the West End General Store and she grew up working in the store along with her sisters and brothers. She told many stories of those days, the work in the store, the customers and life in general, especially being raised by her strict parents. Irene was a graduate of Johnstown High School class of 1936 ½, where she played in the band and was proficient with most reed instruments: clarinet, saxophone, oboe, piccolo and flute.  She was taught dance by Gene Kelly and often talked about him. Irene was a homemaker, an avid baker and a professional class cake decorator as a hobby. The house always had the aroma of baked goods. She made all her own cake decorations and flowers from her own icing and in later years was very critical of the cake decorating shows on TV. At one time, she decided to go to a Wilton Cake decorating show in New York City. She took two decorated cakes. One was dropped and destroyed and the other won first place in its category. But cake decorating remained just a hobby. Not only would she bake specialty cakes for family and friends but also for any event at her church. Some of her grandchildren started calling her “Trouble” because while drying dishes at their home, she dropped a platter and it broke into many pieces. The name remained with her for many years and all through her stay at Arbutus Park Manor. She loved being known as “Trouble”.  Irene was a lifelong member of various Roman Catholic Parishes in Johnstown: Immaculate Conception, Visitation BVM and St. John Gualbert Cathedral in her later years. When she was no longer able to go to Mass, she was grateful for the televised Mass from her parish St. John’s. Although Irene has left us, she will always be remembered as fun loving by those who survive her. A sincere expression of gratitude is extended to Fr. James Crookston, Pastor John Hollis, Asera Care Hospice and Arbutus Park Manor. A special thank you is extended to those who cared for Mom every day. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to St. John Gualbert Cathedral Parish, St. John’s live broadcast of Sunday Mass or Arbutus Park Manor.  Friends will be received at St. John Gualbert Cathedral Monday from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Very Rev. James F. Crookston. Committal at Grandview Cemetery Mausoleum. The family is being served by the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home, Inc., 710 Broad Street. 

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