Mary Louise Matthews

Mary Louise Matthews died peacefully on November 4, 2022, at Park View Retirement Center, Sanford, North Carolina. She was born in Scranton, on August 19, 1931 to Richard J. Matthews and Ruth Duffy Matthews. "Weezie", as she was called by friends and family, was given that nickname as a young child by her playmates in the Hill Section of Scranton. She graduated from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She began her teaching career for three years at the Centerville, Maryland High School. She then moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey High School teaching Spanish and English and was loved by her students. She directed many musicals and plays at Asbury Park at the high school level. Many of her students went on to direct movies and television shows, which gave her great joy.

To enrich her background, she enrolled in a six-week program at an institute in Saltillo, Mexico requiring total immersion in the study of Spanish. While there she lived with a local family and stayed in touch for many years. An avid traveler, she and her good friend Susan Zenke went to Kenya, Africa and had the time of their lives! Unexpected and exciting experiences include a hot air balloon ride and getting up close to unbelievable wildlife behavior. Being exposed to the cultures in different areas visited was rewarding. Many slide shows followed. Canada, Hawaii, San Diego, Europe and Bermuda were also visited with family and friends.

When not traveling the globe, Weezie spent summers at the home of her sister, Dorothy Lynn, Clarks Green and enjoyed many rounds of golf with her nephew, Mark Lynn. Mark even dragged her to Stonehedge in Tunkhannock and it was "one of the longest nine holes of her life". Weezie had a talent for making people laugh. One of her favorites was to switch the letters in children's stories. Snow White became "Wo Snite" and the mirror on the wall became the "Wirror on the mall". Even having hearing these over the years it was impossible not to laugh.

After retiring she relocated to North Carolina and lived in Carolina Trace with her dear friend Charlotte Hohenstein. She was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and sang in the choir. It wasn't long before all of the choir noticed she had a very gifted ear for music. Weezie made friends easily and played in many golf events and joined the local golf club. Despite the distance, she never missed a birthday or special occasion either in person or with a beautiful card. While in Sanford she was recognized for her 20 years of volunteerism. The article entitled Matthews can't say "no" when it comes to lending a helping hand also included her picture.

Weezie is survived by her dearly loved nieces Pamela Otto, Nanette Field and nephews Wesley Matthews, Roger Matthews, David Lynn, Mark Lynn and devoted friends Susan Zenke of Dalton and Charlotte Hohenstein of Sanford, North Carolina.

She was predeceased by Arthur and Kathlyn Matthews, Richard and Sally Matthews II, Joseph & Dorothy Lynn, Diane Lynn, Todd Matthews, Richard Matthews III and Clinton Matthews. A private Committal service was held at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church.