Eden Barbasa Mataac, 82, of Pennsauken, New Jersey, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 15, 2023.

Eden was born on July 5, 1940, to Alfredo Barbasa and Aurora (nee Amarines) in Silay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Sergio, when her father passed away during WWII.

In 1960, Eden met Serafin Mataac Sr in Manila. They married on January 1965. Eden and Serafin went on to have six wonderful children.

Eden was predeceased by her parents, Alfredo and Aurora, her stepfather, Sergio, and her husband, Serafin, Sr. She is survived by her children: Alexander, wife Arminda (nee Remojo), Ruben, Marissa Viray (nee Mataac), husband Gilbert, Manolo, wife Lilia (nee Morelos), Serafin Jr, wife Amelia (nee Billano), Melanie Balagtas (nee Mataac), husband Raymond and her grandchildren Zachary, Janus, Elijah, Irvin, Ilissa, Ian, Matilda, Shannon, Sofia, and Mackenzie.

Eden was the embodiment of happiness in a person and always looked for the positives in life no matter her circumstances. She had an adventurous spirit who sought out opportunities in the United States for a better life for her family—and succeeded above and beyond. She loved listening to Rico J. Puno, Rey Valera and Frank Sinatra, especially when going about her daily activities. She was great with numbers and business, making ends meet while successfully sending all six of her children to college.

Eden was a devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Generous to a fault, she regularly gave alms to the poor, the homeless, and countless charitable organizations over the many years of her life despite not having much. She helped support not only her family, but also her relatives and friends who were in need. She had the softest heart for animals, never failing to take in strays to care and provide a home.

Incredibly forgiving, Eden was merciful even to those who had done her wrong. She never held grudges and always pursued a life of peace and compassion. She gave without leaving anything for herself. Even until her last years, she sent support to her similarly aged cousins and extended family.

Eden was the fun, most humorous woman to everyone who was fortunate enough to meet her. There was never a dull moment with her in the room. Friends, family and even her children's friends always longed for her company because of her good-natured personality.

This incredible, beautiful superwoman will be dearly missed. Nanay, Lola, mahal na mahal ka namin.

Services will be held Thursday evening, June 22, 2023, at 6:00PM - 8:00 PM at the Alloway Funeral Home, 315 E. Maple Ave., Merchantville, NJ 08109 .  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held, Friday, June 23, 2023 10:00 AM at St. Peter Church 43 W Maple Ave., Merchantville, NJ 08109

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Benedict's Abbey, http://www.benetlake.org