Judith Clare Mathews' Obituary
Judith Clare Mathews (née Fish) was born in Chelmsford, Mass. on May 12, 1929. Boston University alumna and a graduate of Pierce Secretarial School in Boston.Judy met her self-proclaimed “Prince Charming” in November 1950. Prior to his deployment to Korea, they fell deeper in love dancing to their song: Harbor Lights. With her husband, she became a world-traveler and lived a fulfilled life traveling throughout Europe. They moved to Virginia, but ultimately settled in Texas in 1969. In 1967, they elected to adopt two beautiful children, a brother and sister, both of whom survive her and will forever cherish their mother’s memory.So much more than a historian, Judy was a preservationist. She was a collector of memories, and recognized the importance of sharing those memories and traditions with her family. Though quite humble and never seeking to be the center of attention, Judy embodied what it means to be a storyteller, and will be remembered as such by her loving husband, Bill, her children Tracy (and wife Cheryl Mathews), Brenda (and husband Mark Conley) and their biological sister, Cory Hall. Her sister-in-law, Margie Paulley. Grandchildren: Angela (and wife, Nichole Tripp), Judith Lauren (and husband Kyle Frazee) Sarah (and husband Brian Bennett) Sam Gerwin (and wife, Ashley), William & Maureen Gerwin, along with 5 great-grandchildren who adored her, as did her nieces and their families.Judy possessed an amazing ability to enrapture her audience, whether with narrations of decades-old letters home or her orations of a children’s book, remain unparalleled to those to who experienced her performances. She passed down her passion for history and lived experiences to her family who will forever hold her stories in their hearts.As the church clerk, she served God with 25 years of impeccable service to her church, and would never leave the church until she completed her work and fulfilled her obligations. Mary Baker Eddy stated, “Home is the dearest spot on earth, and it should be the center, though not the boundary, of the affections.” Judy lived by this maxim. She created and fostered a warm and loving home for her husband and 3 generations after her. Yet, true to her faith, she never limited her affections; maintaining friendships with those she met in her world-wide travels, family friends, and personal relationships with her cherished church family.
What’s your fondest memory of Judith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judith?
Share a story where Judith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judith you’ll never forget.
How did Judith make you smile?