Rose (Peggy) Matonich

HURLEY, Wis. - Heaven welcomed an angel on June 16, 2021, with the passing of Rose (Peggy) Matonich, age 99.

Rose was born to humble parents, Victor and Celestine (Prucca) Pertile on Nov. 28, 1921, in Bessemer, Michigan. She was the fourth of seven children and grew up in a loving family that learned early on the meaning of hard work and respect. Rose attended local schools graduating fifth in her class of 150 students despite having missed a lot of school to care for her ailing mother who died very young.

Rose married Michael J. Matonich on Sept. 14, 1940, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, Michigan. He preceded her in death in 1973. They had five children: Barbara, Ronald, Virginia, Michael, and Gerald (who died in infancy).

Mom was multi-talented and enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening and canning; however, her greatest love was cooking and baking. As a child, she was always by her mother's side in the kitchen, where she learned the joy of preparing many Italian meals. Baked goods were always on hand and her cookie jar was always full. Her love of cooking continued when she assumed responsibility for the church hot lunch program at St. Sebastian school. Students and staff enjoyed home-cooked meals every day, including homemade bread, rolls, and cookies. Mom was very proud of her Italian heritage and the ability to bring joy to others with food and gatherings around the table.

A very special memory for mom was a trip with her siblings to Montana by van in 1994 to visit her youngest brother, Bob and Norma Pertile. It was the last time they were all together as the Pertile family once again bonded by the same love they shared as children.

Rose is survived by her children, Ronald (Joann), Virginia (Kim) Langdon and Michael (Jodi); her brother, Bob (Norma); sister-in-law, Katie Pertile; and nine grandchildren, Jason (Becky) Charles, Dr. Nathan (Karin) Charles, Nicole (Kevin ) Nelson, Brady Langdon, Zach Langdon (fiancee Rachel), Cody (Danielle) Langdon, Danielle Kalayin, Jessie Matonich and Todd (April) Matonich.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Michael; son, Gerald; daughter, Barbara Charles; her parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law; infant grand-daughter, Amanda; her siblings, Jenny (Alfred) Montesi, Joseph Pertile, Albin Pertile, Mary (Bernard) Corgiat and Elaine (John) Borich; and her husband's siblings, Matt (Evelyn), Steve (Laverne), John (Becky), Mary, Rosalee (Mitchell), Helen (Gerald), Mildred (Irving) and Ann.

The family wishes to thank the Villa Maria for their compassionate care and concern shown to our mother over the past two years. Thanks to Sherri Forslund for driving mom to appointments, shopping, and especially her friendship. Also thanks to Sandy Olsen for her friendship and countless visits with mom at the Villa bringing mom much laughter and joy, and for the friendship of Carmen LaGuardia.

Mom, we will miss you greatly, remember you daily, and love you always. Go with God.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 23, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, Michigan, at noon with Fr. Dominic Agyapong as celebrant, preceded by a visitation starting at 11 a.m. Burial will be at a later date in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, visit someone in a nursing home, bring flowers and a smile. Make someone happy!

The family has chosen Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Rose's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at rangefuneralservices.com.