Ann I. (Matachinskas) Kokernak

Biography
HOLDEN - Ann I. (Matachinskas) Kokernak died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 31, 2013. She was born April 5, 1937 in Worcester, the daughter of Joseph M. and Anele “Nellie” (Mikalionis) Matachinskas.

She grew up in Worcester before moving to Holden in 1963. Ann graduated from Commerce High School and attended Clark University. After taking time off to raise her children, she returned to college, earning an Associate’s Degree from Quinsigamond Community College, and then both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Worcester State College (now Worcester State University).

Ann was a teacher in the Holden elementary schools for many years until her retirement. She was very proud of watching her students grow to become active members of the community. After retirement, she volunteered at the Gale Free Library in Holden, and she was a part-time librarian at the Anna Maria College Library until 2012.

Ann was proud of her Lithuanian heritage. She was a long-time member of the Knights of Lithuania Council #116 in Worcester, serving as the financial secretary for the past 10 years. She was thrilled to fulfill her lifelong dream of visiting her parents’ homeland in 1996. She proudly attended the Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival in Boston last July.

She loved reading, traveling, the theatre and spending time with her friends and family. She was talented in many crafts. Ann was a member of the Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE), Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts and the Wachusett Red Hat Mamas. She was a Reiki.

She was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson. She was a member of the Centreville, Virginia American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1995 where her son and daughter-in-law were members.

Ann was the true definition of loyalty. Kahlil Gibran wrote in The Prophet, “Your friend is your needs answered.” Ann was that kind of friend. She treasured her friendships completely and with no reservations. Those blessed with Ann’s friendship also became part of her extended family. There was nothing Ann would not do for her friends. Being Ann’s friend meant being loved.

She leaves a daughter, Elaine (Kokernak) Ritchie and her husband Don of Harvard; a son, John F. Kokernak, Jr. and his wife Cindy (Noland Adams) of Linden, Virginia; a brother, Peter R. Matachinskas and his wife Ann of Worcester; grandchildren, Karyn Brundige, Christine Ritchie, Kevin Ritchie, Kenneth Ritchie, Laurie Enneking Conner and Lisa Mitchell; twelve great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Ann was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Joseph S. Matachinskas; and a sister, Albina R. Kersus.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 5, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Ann’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson. Burial will be private at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Lithuanian Children’s Relief, Inc., 1145 Hancock Street, Unit C, Quincy, MA 02169; or to the Gale Free Library, 23 Highland St., Holden, MA 01520.

To share a memory of Ann or offer an online condolence, please "Sign the Guestbook" to the right.





















Calling Hours


Friday
April 5, 2013
,

5 p.m.
- 8 p.m.




at
Miles Funeral Home


Click for Map and Directions





Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Ann's Life


Saturday
April 6, 2013
,

11 a.m.





at
St. Mary's Church


Click for Map and Directions