Mary Jane Matejka (nee Wigand) baptized into the hope of Christ’s resurrection on October 27, 2024.
dearest daughter of the late William and Rose Mary Wigand; beloved Wife of the late Jerry Matejka; loving mother of Timothy Matejka and Daniel Matejka and Mother-in-Law to Amia Matejka; cherished grandmother of Nathan & Michelle Matejka; dear sister of Rev. William Wigand (deceased) and Michael Wigand and Sister-in-Law to: Patricia Wigand and Ronald Matejka; dear aunt of Matthew (Maryl) Wigand, Joyce Gallegos, and Jorge Gallegos and great-aunt of Fiorella & Renata Gallegos and Isla Wigand; dear cousin to the Slamas of St. Louis and Browns of Michigan; former longtime member of St. John the Baptist Parish, Teacher at Good Shepherd, St. Pius V, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Ann Schools.
Mary Jane spent her life teaching others. From her own children, to her many students, to her grandchildren and great nieces, and so many more, Mary Jane was a teacher, through and through. Whether it was ABCs and 123s or stories about Jesus, Mary Jane loved taking the time to teach someone about something! Even in her last few years, she still found ways to teach the residents at the Altenheim. Whether it was a bible study or prayer group, or a lesson about water animals, Mary Jane strived to engage others in the learning process and to prove that you’re never too old or too sick to learn something new.
While there was never any denying Mary Jane was a teacher, she also loved learning. The amount of attention she would give to her grandchildren, Nathan and Michelle, while they demonstrated how to build Lego sets or play a game or talk about their new hobby, was priceless. If you had something to tell or show to Mary Jane, she took the time to really take it all in. In those moments, you were the most important thing to her, and she wanted to learn everything you had to offer.
If you were ever in need of help, Mary Jane was ready to step up. Sometimes in more ways than she should! Mary Jane has done everything from donating to countless charities, opening her house to friends down on their luck, transforming her basement into a classroom to help with family children when they visited, and so much more.
While we are saddened to lose our beloved Mary Jane here on Earth, we are grateful she can be reunited with her family and friends who have gone before her, especially her husband Jerry.
Services: A Memorial Mass to be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4200 Delor Street, St. Louis, MO 63116 on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, dontations to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – St. Louis, MO or charity of your choice are appreciated.
A Kutis City Chapel Service
So sorry for the loss of your beloved relative and our co-in law, but am also relieved that her suffering here on earth is over. Now she reaps the rewards of her life here. Prayers and thoughts to you all
Mary Jane was a person that was committed to her family, church, school and friends. She will be greatly missed. She is now at peace. God Bless
Thoughts and prayers from the Murphey family
🙏God Rest you, Mary Jane🙏, and Thank You for all the priceless contributions you gave to so many people. Blessings of peace and comfort to Tim & Dan and all the family. Say Hello to Jerry for us, Mary Jane. 💖
My Big Sis Mary Jane always took the time to teach me and give me things throughout the years. I am actually her first cousin and I am over nine years younger than her and because of big sis I have a couple of things from Our Grammy that I would’ve never gotten if it hadn’t been for her I will miss her every single day and I will pray for her as well. Love you big sis.!! With love and prayers from your little sis!!
She was such a beautiful person always greeting you with a smile even when she wasn’t feeling her best, I remember when she couldn’t make mass for Palm Sunday I came to her house and brought her the Blessed Palm she was so grateful 💐may she rest in eternal peace 💐
Sending our condolences to her family and friends.
Lucy Udina
Kevin Udina
Gina Mrnjavac (Udina)
I grew up on Oak Hill Street with Jerry and Ronnie when they lived on Phillips Pl. The Matejkas were a faithful family and Jerry was probably the best musician in the area. My condolences to my old friend Ron and the entire Matejka family.
Mary Jane was a dear classmate at SJHS. She always had a ready smile. I’ll never forget the fun John and I had celebrating New Years Eve with MaryJane and Jerry one year. She had a very strong faith. Always ready with a kind word. Rest in Peace, dear friend.
Mary Jane embraced such a deep and joyful faith which she has freely shared with our CPPS Partners in Mission. She will be greatly missed! My deepest sympathy to her family.
I taught with Mary Jane at St. Pius V in St. Louis. She was a great teacher and truly cared about her students. She taught me to be joy-filled no matter what. I cherish my friendship with her and pray for her family.
Am grateful I had the opportunity to benefit from Mary Jane’s radiant personality. We shared rides to some Partners in Mission events,
Her gracious and beaming patience with me, with her wheel-chair, with life as a whole, will continue to bless and encourage me. I witnessed her fervor for learning, her love and appreciation of people…and in particular, the many C.PP.S. Sisters she knew and treasured.
Mary Jane, kindly keep me in your heart of prayer. And thank you for so thoroughly being you!
Prayers for Eternal Rest For Mary Jane. May her family find comfort in the memories of her beautiful life.
Mrs. Matejka was my second grade teacher at St. Pius V in 1991. From totem polls to Stone Soup to domestic animals, I have so many fond memories of her lessons. I will pray for her and her family and friends. To her family, know that she touched countless lives and she will never be forgotten. She taught us all the true meaning of joy!