A graveside service for Mary M. Matthews, 73, Lawrence, will be 10am Friday at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mary Magdalene Mathews passed peacefully at LMH Health on early Saturday morning, August 17th, 2019 at the age of 73.
Mary was born on July 2nd, 1946 in Lawrence, Kansas to Minnie May and Henry Allen Matthews.
Mary lived in several places throughout her life: Lawrence, Atchison, Parsons, Topeka, but often stated that she loved Lawrence the most and that all of her friends were in Lawrence. Her favorite childhood memory was putting clothespins in her hair and she often told her Cottonwood staff that her grandparents were “always real good to me” and helped raise her.
Mary was one of the inaugural consumers at Cottonwood when it was established in 1972, which began at the Bess Stone Activity center. She accessed nearly all of Cottonwood’s services and stated that Retirement was her favorite, because she got to relax and watch cowboy movies, the “The Price is Right” and soap operas, especially “The Young and The Restless”. Mary’s favorite jobs over the years were washing dishes at Molly McGees and bussing tables at PepperJax Grill. Mary was also an active participant in the KU Natural Ties program and stated that “my girls spoil me.” Mary was witty, clever, and enjoyed by everyone.
Her astonishing memory for birthdays astounded all of us. Mary’s health deteriorated as the years passed and she transitioned from Cottonwood services to skilled nursing care in 2014, first in Topeka and then at Brandon Woods in Lawrence.
She loved good food, music and music trivia, dancing, swimming, painting, traveling, attending the Community Church of God with her close friend Barbara Clark and visiting with friends and her “baby sister,” Martha.
She is survived by one sister, Martha M. Matthews of Lawrence; one cousin, Floyd Matthews of Eudora; Kansas; and cherished friend, Barbara Clark of Lawrence, Kansas.
Mary was sweet but sassy and loved to tease. She will be missed by a host of friends who knew and loved her very much.
Friends may call from 9am to 8pm Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cottonwood, Inc. sent in care of the funeral home.
