Matushka Elizabeth Pisterchik Pishtey

Matushka Elizabeth Pisterchik Pishtey, 92, peacefully fell asleep in the Lord at the Hearth Assisted Living Facility here on Saturday, February 21, 2015.

Matushka Elizabeth was the devoted wife of the late Archpriest Joseph J. Pishtey, III.  Together they served in parishes in New Jersey and, most recently, Saint Mary Church, Waterbury, CT, to which Father Joseph was assigned in December 1968 and at which they served faithfully until his repose on May 7, 1987.

Born in Olyphant, PA on March 23, 1922, the daughter of the late John and Mary [Matichak] Pasterchik, she was a graduate of Olyphant High School and received a Nursing Degree from Saint James Hospital School of Nursing, Newark, NJ.  She was employed by Saint James Hospital, Elizabeth General Hospital and Paterson General Hospital, all in New Jersey.  She was awarded a gramota for her service to the Church by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius and a Saint Herman Medal from His Eminence, the late Archbishop Gregory of Alaska.  She was a member of the “R” Club and Saint Mary’s Russian Orthodox Senior Club at Saint Mary Church, where she also worked at bingo. While living in New Jersey, she was an instructor for nurse’s aides. She enjoyed roller-skating, bowling, bicycle riding and baking.

Her family wishes to express gratitude to Archpriests Nicholas Timpko and David Koles, who cared for her spiritual needs during her time in assisted living.

Matushka Elizabeth is survived by a son, Joseph J. Pishtey IV and his wife Michele, Haddam, CT; a grandson, Joseph J. Pishtey V and his wife Ronna, Snow Hill, MD; a granddaughter, Kyra Nesteriak and her husband Joseph, Oxford, CT; and five great-grandchildren, Alycia, Joseph VI and Emily Pishtey and Joseph II and Jessica Nesteriak. She was predeceased by a brother, Michael Pasterchik.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Chase Parkway Memorial/Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT on Wednesday, February 25, 2015. A Parastas will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be celebrated at Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church, South Canaan, PA on Thursday, February 26, at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will follow at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Matushka Elizabeth’s memory to Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, P.O Box 130, South Canaan, PA 18459.

May Matushka Elizabeth’s memory be eternal!