Cheryal Matsko
December 30, 1945 — May 15, 2024
Mechanicsburg
Cheryal Lynn (Hugi) Matsko, age 78, of Mechanicsburg, PA died on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at West Shore Hospital. Cheryal was born on Sunday, December 30, 1945, in Harrisburg, PA to the late Earl and Beatrice (Diffenderfer) Hugi. In addition to her parents, Cheryal is preceded in death by her brother, Jay D. Hugi.
Cheryal’s survivors include her husband of 57 years, Edward “Ted” Matsko; her daughter, Kimberly (Craig) Archer; her grandchildren: James and Jenna Archer; her sister-in- law Bobbi Nicotera; several nieces; and a host of family and friends.
Cheryal graduated from Mechanicsburg Senior High School in 1963, and graduated from the Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing in 1964. She started her career as a nurse at Harrisburg Hospital.
From a young age, Cheryal felt inspired to help others, which is what originally drew her to nursing. Every day when she went to work, she was able to aid her patients in what could have been their lives' most painful moments through tending to injuries or offering comfort. Cheryal felt this desire to serve those in her community was one of her main purposes in life. While working as a nurse, she made it her goal to provide the best care to each of her patients. She rose through the ranks at Harrisburg Hospital quickly, progressing to head nurse, supervisor, and eventually acting as the assistance director of nursing. With each new position, Cheryal fulfilled her life's purpose further, expanding her efforts to help more people.
During the partial meltdown of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in 1979, Cheryal had to lead efforts in categorizing patients and the care they would need during transportation to hospitals out of the affected area. She worked along her fellow nurses, giving directions to transport teams and providing care, until the last of the patients had left the hospital.
Cheryal loved when nursing students came to work on her floor, excited to show them everything she had learned through her many years at the hospital. She prided herself on expanding their education and providing them a support network within the nursing community.
During the mid 80's, Cheryal transitioned out of nursing into Information
Systems. Cheryal retired form Siemens Healthineers in 2008.
Cheryal was an avid reader, enjoyed the challenge of cross word puzzles but her most precious past time was spending time with James and Jenna.
Cheryal was once asked if she believed she had led a life of flourishing and she simply answered "yes." When asked what lessons she had learned along the way, she stressed the importance of change. Someone cannot be afraid to make the necessary changes needed to live a life of flourishing. They should dive in headfirst, ready to fulfill their purpose, whatever that may be.
Cheryal’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Cheryal’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.
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