Josipa (Josie) Mataja was born on March 8, 1950, in Mrkopalj, Gorski Kotar, Croatia and died on July 20, 2026 in Renton, Washington. She immigrated to the US in February 1964 with her mother Barica and her siblings to join their father Lovro in Seattle. After graduating from Cleveland High School, she continued her education at Seattle University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages. Starting her career with Doug Fox Travel she then joined Alaska Airlines and moving from Anchorage to Las Vegas finally settled back in Seattle. In the 90’s she took an extended leave of absence from Alaska Airlines and volunteered as an interpreter working with the US Military at Eagle Base stationed in Tuzla, Bosnia. Her career with Alaska Airlines lasted 37 years. Upon her retirement, her love of travel and the airline industry didn’t stop her from returning to SEA. She was a volunteer for the USO and the Port of Seattle over a decade helping our military and international travelers navigate the airport.

She is preceded in death by her father Lovro, mother Barica and sister Ana who died in infancy.

She is survived by brother Frank (Mary), sister Antonija (Milan), sister Marija and brother John (Dar). Also, nieces and nephews, Jacqueline (Matt and daughter Remy), Steven (Stipe) (Jessica and children Dario, Kesten and Sava or Savica as Josie liked to call her), Christopher (Lauren and daughters Emma and Charlotte), Stephanie (Dylan and children Desi and Bryn) and Zeljko.

A Catholic Mass of burial will be said in her honor at St. Stephen the Martyr in Renton, WA on Monday, September 21 at 11:00 am. Luncheon will be served immediately after – all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans or a charity of your choice.