Marie E. Matthews

Marie Matthews, a tender heart and faithful Christian, began her new life a few days after experiencing a stroke. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who treated all she met as God’s children.

Born to Sicilian immigrants in Milwaukee, Marie was the youngest of seven children and the last remaining member of the first-generation Manera siblings. She was especially close to her three sisters, who were her support and confidants throughout her life.

After graduating from high school in Milwaukee, Marie attended Bob Jones University in South Carolina. Her major was art; her hope was to find a husband. She graduated with a two-year art degree but no husband – until a fateful train trip to see her sister in Texas. It was on that train, leaving from Chicago’s Union Station, that she met Richard Matthews, an Air Force control tower operator just home from the Korean War. Thus began a lifelong adventure that led to more than 50 years in pastoral and missionary ministry.

Marie called herself a “Christ Follower” and took every opportunity to share her faith with everyone she met. Without fear or reservation, she would ask, “Do you know Jesus?” Then with a tender smile and gentle spirit, she would say, “He’s my friend.”

Marie’s gentleness did not extend to all aspects of her life, however. Anyone who played games with her experienced her competitive nature, which she employed to teach others how to be a good loser. 

Marie’s flare for art was visible in her and Richard’s ministry. For many years, Marie created bright chalk drawings on black fabric to illustrate her husband’s preaching. With four kids in tow singing and playing instruments, the Matthews family traveled the country raising missionary support from churches. Hard to believe it happened, but there are eyewitnesses. 

Later in life, Marie continued to find community and connection at High Point Church in Madison, WI and Blackhawk Church in Middleton, WI. She also remained friends with many of the members of Verona Baptist Church in Verona, WI, where Richard served twice as senior pastor. Marie worked for several years at the Lands’ End call center in Dodgeville, WI. It was all she could do not to ask, “Do you know Jesus?” to the customers calling about monogramed shirts and towels. But she did offer to pray for some customers who sensed her caring heart and shared their trials. 

Marie lived her final four years at Hartland Terrace Assisted Living in Hartland, WI. She found a new community there and kind, empathetic care from Jen and her team. Marie also loved Hartland Terrace’s homelike atmosphere and ever-present fresh flowers. (In lieu of flowers, all are welcome to contribute to the Hartland Terrance Fresh Flower Fund, 327 North Avenue Hartland, WI 53029.)

Marie is survived by her four children, Evi, David, Tom and John; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Matthews; her parents, Sam and Elvira (LoCicero) Manera; and by her siblings, Louis, Ned, Rose (Emanuele) Joe, Zina (Lillard), and Eda (Jacobson). 

A family-and-friends reunion brunch in honor of Marie will be held on March 15, 2025 from 10:30 – 1:00 at the Oconomowoc Community Center, 220 W Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.