L. Marjatta Hibschman

Marjatta Hibschman, age 85, passed away on January 16, 2025, at her home at The Highlands in Wyomissing, PA. She and her husband John Hibschman had been residents of the Highlands since moving there in 2016.

Marjatta was born Lena Marjatta Mattinen in 1939 in the village of Kanneljärvi, in what was then the Karelia region of Finland. When she was less than a year old the Soviet Union invaded Finland and annexed Karelia. Her parents Viktor and Toini (Kakko) Mattinen fled with Marjatta and her twin brother, eventually relocating to a farm near Salo, Finland. There she grew up, decided that she was not overly fond of farming— she particularly disliked pruning sugar beets— and chose to pursue higher education. She received a bachelor's degree in business from Turku Business College and then worked in the import-export business in multiple countries

before coming to the United States for a job in New York City, where she met John Hibschman in 1968.

After Marjatta and John married in 1971, they lived in Alsace Township, PA for several years before moving to Wyomissing in 1975. While raising two sons, Marjatta worked as a tax professional until her retirement. She found time to visit Finland in the summer, taking the children to see the farm and meet their cousins. She also became a US citizen, taking her citizenship oath in 1995. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, taking walks and traveling. She especially enjoyed visiting European countries and New York City. In November she often went to watch the NYC marathon, cheering with special enthusiasm for any Finnish runners she spotted. She will be remembered for her kindness, for her gentleness, and for the love she held for her family and friends.

Marjatta is survived by her husband John, her son Jari Hibschman of Wyomissing, PA, her son Johann Hibschman and daughter-in-law Sarah Torpey of New York City, and three grandchildren: Will, Thomas, and Edmund Hibschman. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Barbara Hibschman, by her nephew Mikko Mattinen, Mikko's wife Kristiina, and her grand- nephews Pekka and Paavo, and by her niece Helena, Helena's husband, and her grand-nephews, and grand-niece. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Heikki Mattinen.

The funeral service for Marjatta will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Bausman Memorial United Church of Christ, 1064 Penn Ave, Wyomissing, PA 19610 at 10:30 A.M. The visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until the start of the service. Internment will follow in Charles Evans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may donate in Marjatta's memory to Bausman Memorial United Church of Christ at 1064 Penn Ave, Wyomissing, PA 19610. Edward J. Kuhn is honored to serve Marjatta's family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.