Margaret Vilma (Svac) Matus, known to family and friends as “Margie”, passed away on
September 15, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Born on October 17, 1932 in Clairton, Pennsylvania, she
was the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Goffa) Svac.
Margie grew up in Clairton and graduated from Clairton High School in 1950 with the nickname
“Smiles”. She married her beloved husband, John G. Matus, in September 1955. They were
married for 66 years, until his death in March 2021. In addition to her parents and husband,
Margie was preceded in death by her son, William (“Bill”) Matus (May 2021) and all of her
siblings, Michael Svac, Anne Kapusta, Irene Colavincenzo, Mary Bodnar and Dorothy Jean
King.
She is survived by her daughters Margie (Bernie) Belan of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Barbara
(Robert) Portales of Tampa, Florida, as well as her son Joe (Becky) Matus of Salem, Virginia.
She was a devoted grandmother to Roberto Portales, Lysette Portales (Ketterer), Daniel Portales,
and Lauren Matus (LeNeave). Her precious great-grandchildren include Nate, Ethan, Jack, Allie
(LeNeave) and Cruz, Wells, Gunnar (Ketterer). Margie also leaves behind an extended family
of in-laws, nieces, nephews and their families.
A burial service will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on September 24, 2025 at 11:00
a.m. Arrangements are being handled by Veterans Funeral Home in Clearwater, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to The Alzheimer's Association or a
charity of one’s choosing.
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Margaret Vilma (Svac) Matus
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