Mathews

Nancy C. Mathews went to be with her Lord on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, after 89 years of serving Him in every way she knew. She will be greeted with a big bear hug from her loving husband, Bill.

She was born on Oct. 10, 1933, in Mars, and was the daughter of the late Floyd and Maxine Irwin.

She was a 1951 graduate of Mars High School, where she met her future husband, the late William C. Mathews Sr. They were married for 65 years and had five children, Nancy Lee (Joe Urlacher) Wirtz, Stephanie (Jeffrey) Mowen, Mary Kay (Mark) Dods, Melinda (Bob) Brown and William C. (Patti) Jr.

Although she was small, she was mighty. She put all her energy into whatever she was doing, and she was almost always doing for others. To know her was to love her. She was an amazing mom, grandma and great-grandma, a girl scout leader, a Sunday school teacher, a volunteer for Contact Pittsburgh, and led a stroke group at the Lighthouse Foundation for several years.

“Mrs. Mathews” was a secretary at the Mars Middle School for over 25 years. So many of “her kids,” as she referred to the students, had expressed their appreciation for her kindness while they tried to navigate those treacherous middle school years. She always took the time to listen.

Retirement didn’t slow her down. She was the co-owner and eventually the president of an excavation company. Throughout their lives together, she and Bill opened their home to all. Whether it was an overnight stay, one of the many, many parties they hosted, multiple weddings throughout the years, or just time to sit and talk — you were always welcome and left well fed.

She was well-known for her ability to sew. She loved to make clothes, Halloween costumes, and even wedding gowns for her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; and her sister, Sarah Miller and her granddaughter-in-law, Rebecca Howes Wirtz.

Her quiet caring ways, her warm smile and her love of life are going to be greatly missed by her children; her sister, Janet (John) Thompson; her 16 grandchildren; 38 great- grandchildren plus one yet to come; and by her many nieces and nephews and countless “adopted” family members.

Her death will leave a huge hole in the lives of all who knew her. But as she taught us, we celebrate her life and give thanks for the honor of calling her Mom, Grandma, sister, Aunt and friend.

Our family thanks the many extraordinary caregivers at home, at Paramount and Concordia Cranberry. You know who you are!

MATHEWS — The family of Nancy C. Mathews, who died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, will welcome friends and family at a celebration of life to be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown.

Arrangements are under the direction of SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Bakerstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, P.O. Box 127 Bakerstown, PA 15007.

Visit www.schellhaasfh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.