Mount Carmel - Mary Theresa (Balandovich) Mattu, formerly of Mount Carmel, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2024, at Mountain View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, after a life filled with love and faith.

She was born in Centralia, PA, on April 6, 1934, to Stephen and Anna (Masinick) Balandovich.

On June 10th, 1973, she married the love of her life, Albert Mattu, who preceded her in death on September 6, 1994.

In addition to her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by her eight brothers, Charles, Joseph, John (wife, Wanda), Henry (wife, Marie), Nicholas (wife, Mary Theresa), Paul, Thomas (wife, Barbara), and Daniel.

She is survived by her loving family, daughter, Maria and her husband, Rob; granddaughters, Mya, and Ella; John, Marilyn, Gia, Jeremy, Camilla, Eva, Beckett, Marissa, Robert, Bianca, Lucy, Diane, Joe, Alicia, Kayla, Thomas, Nick, Trisha, John, Michael, Julie, Matt, Ilana, Emily, and Cleo; in addition to goddaughters, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless cousins.

She attended Centralia schools and Empire Beauty School, where she earned her Cosmetology license.

She was a dedicated Assorter at Humberland and Lady Hope Dress Factories. After 44 years of employment, she began her retirement.

She attended the Divine Liturgy daily, as a dedicated lifetime member of her beloved Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Centralia, PA.

Most recently, as a resident of Mountain View in Trevorton, PA, (where she was lovingly known as Mary), she fulfilled her ministry of spreading the Good News of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Divine Liturgy will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11 a.m. with the Very Reverend Archpriest Michal Hutsko officiating in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Centralia. Burial will follow in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery, Centralia. A viewing will be held on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. with Panikhyda at 9:30 a.m. in the C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 27 N. Vine St., Mt. Carmel, PA, C. J. Lucas IV, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Assumption of the BVM, C/O SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 131 N Beech St., Mt. Carmel, PA 17851.