Obituary of Ethel Ruzena Matula

Ethel R. (Rybos) Matula, age 89 of Brookfield, wife of the late Otto Matula, passed away peacefully on Saturday February 11th. Ethel was born in Bronx, NY April 18, 1927, the daughter of the late Emrick and Susan (Giabaj) Rybos. She grew up in Bronx, and was a graduate of Metropolitan Hospital School of Nursing. She practiced nursing during WWII, following the war she was introduced to Otto Matula by friends on a blind date. They married in 1947, and later moved to Brookfield where they raised their four sons. Ethel continued to work as a nurse with the Brookfield school system, and during retirement volunteered with the Red Cross. An avid bowler, card player, and world traveler, Ethel surrounded herself with family and friends to partake in her favorite activities. She most enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, whether it was taking trips, practicing tap dancing, or sharing stories over a cup of tea. Ethel is survived by sons: John Matula and his wife Debbie of New Milford, Paul Matula and his wife Danielle of Brookfield, five grandchildren: Courtney and Mallory Matula of Danbury, Ethel Matula Johnson of San Diego, CA, John Corso of Sherman, and Jason Palinkas of Millbrook, NY, sisters: Helen Janowski of Freeport, NY and Julia Hanacik of Callicoon Center, NY. She was predeceased by her sons George and Carl Matula, granddaughter Casey Matula, and brothers Marty, Henry, John, and Karol Rybos. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to The Brookfield Library or Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810. Many thanks to the staff of Maplewood at Stony Hill for their caring service during Mom’s stay. The family will receive friends at the Brookfield Funeral Home, 786 Federal Road, Brookfield on Sunday February 19th from 2 to 4 pm. Interment at Prince of Peace Cemetery, Brookfield will be private.