Life Story of Jean Matthews
Jean was born in Wards Creek on June 7, 1922. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Alvaretta (Kelso) Anderson and the wife of the late Hazen Matthews.
Jean attended school in Wards Creek and Sussex High School where she graduated in 1940. During her younger years, Jean enjoyed attending dances with her friends. Jean met and fell in love with a soldier, Hazen Edgar Matthews and on April 12, 1941 the two were married and began their life together. They had 3 boys, Gerald, Charles, and Ian. Her son Charles, known to everyone as “Chuck” passed away in a car accident in 1975. Just four years later, Hazen passed away. It was too soon, but the two enjoyed every moment they had together. They loved to travel. Some of their favourite places to visit were: Cuba, the Bahamas, Florida, and Myrtle Beach.
In 1947 Jean was a founding member of a club for women to encourage and support each other. It wasn’t a formal group, and over the years the women came and went, but the groups continues on to this day. They would rotate meeting at one of the ladies’ homes. Working in groups of 3, one would bring sandwiches, one sweets and the hostess would supply the tea. This group meant a lot to Jean and she meant a lot to them. On the 50th Anniversary of the club in 1997, they held a three day celebration; which included a one day bus trip to Fredericton and Doaktown. Some members came from as far away as BC.
Jean was also a long time member of Sussex Baptist Church, where she attended faithfully until she moved into the nursing home in 2015. In her spare time, Jean would relax by knitting socks for herself and her family. In addition to raising her family, Jean worked at the switch board at the Kings County Memorial Hospital. She also worked at Eaton’s and was the manager of Sears until her retirement.
Jean will continue to live on in the hearts of her two sons: Gerald of Newtown and Ian and his wife Sandra of Sussex; her sister-in-law, Ann Anderson of Oromocto; her five grandchildren: Cheryl, Michael, Jason and his wife Jill, Eric, and Tony; her great grandchildren: Matthew and Braydon Willis, Jordan, Jasmine, and Nicholas Matthews, Tyler Matthews and Reese Matthews; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Jean Margaret Matthews of Sussex, passed away at the Kiwanis Nursing Home on June 22, 2016 at the age of 94.
Jean is the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her husband, Hazen, and son Charles, she is predeceased by her four sisters: Effie Wilkie, Marion Naas, Faye McPeake, Constance Cunningham, her three brothers: Donald Anderson, Clarence Anderson and George Nice; and her brother-in-law, Gerald McPeake.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Friday, June 24 from 1-3 and 6-8pm.
A service celebrating Jean’s life will be held from Sussex Baptist Church on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 11:00am.
Internment will take place at Kirk Hill Cemetery, Sussex, on Saturday, June 25, following the service.
Everyone is welcomed to join the family for a time of fellowship and light refreshments at the church hall, following the Interment.
If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Sussex Baptist Church or the donor's choice.
www.wallacefuneralhome.com
