Obituary of Susan Matta

Susan M. Matta, 57, of Port Matilda, died Thursday, September 29, 2011, at her home. Born August 13, 1954, in Windber, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Leona Gaye Olenik. On September 7, 1974, she married David M. Matta, who survives. She is also survived by two children, David Matta, Jr., and his wife, Whitney, of San Diego, Calif., and Melissa Giordano and her husband, Tom, of Blairstown, N.J.; a granddaughter, Amelia Giordano; a sister, Elizabeth Olenik Calise and her husband, Joseph, of Philadelphia; and two brothers, Joe Olenik and his wife, Kathy, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Charles Olenik and his wife, Terri of Uniontown, Ohio. Susan graduated from Mercy hospital as a Registered Nurse in 1974. She worked for Centre Community Hospital in Labor and Delivery and for Foxdale Village. She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:30 on Monday, October 3, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Susan's funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Monsignor David A. Lockard officiating. Susan wanted other women to become aware of the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. This silent killer frequently starts with pain or swelling of the abdomen. She often said the most important thing a woman can do is listen to her body. If detected early, ovarian cancer if very treatable. She asked that memorial donations be made to the Foxchase Cancer Center at foxchase.org/giving.