Mary K. Mateja

Mary Korchak Mateja was called to eternal rest in paradise on April 26, 2026.

Mary was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan on July 15, 1939, to Charles and Katie Korchak (née Perik). She graduated from Bryant High School in Queens, New York, in 1957 and worked as a bookkeeper for the SESAC record label before starting a family.

On May 25, 1963, she married the love of her life, Hank Mateja. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished traditions. Mary later worked for many years as an administrative secretary at New York University, where she worked closely with a respected professor, transcribing several economics textbooks.

Mary and Hank loved spending time with family and friends. They enjoyed traveling, bowling, dancing polkas, ice skating, and attending theater performances and concerts. In 1998, they moved from Queens, New York, to Little River, South Carolina. There, Mary often said with a smile, “We live in paradise.”

Mary leaves behind many joyful memories, laughter, and the warmth of her home—especially remembered through her wonderful cooking, including her famous chicken cutlets, lasagna, and cheesecake.

We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to her dear friends and relatives for their unwavering support and prayers during this difficult time.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to Drs. Mount, Almeida, and Moore, as well as Jessica and their staff, for caring for Mary not just as a patient, but as family. Special appreciation goes to the team at McLeod Hospice; we could not have endured this journey without your compassion and care.

Mary is survived by her son, Michael Mateja and his wife Meredith; her daughter, Susan Mateja and her husband Stan Nelson; her sister-in-law, Fran; and her beloved grandchildren, Katheryn and her husband Dylan Cleary, and Christopher Nelson.

Arrangements are being handled by Lee Funeral Home in Little River, South Carolina. Interment will be announced by Bay Ridge Funeral Home in Brooklyn, New York.