Elizabeth A. (McSweeney) Matthews, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and ‘Queen’, passed away on November 28th at the age of 83 years surrounded by her devoted family. She loved and was loved every moment of her life.
Elizabeth ‘Betty’ was born in Manchester, NH. Betty graduated from Sacred Heart Nursing School in 1955 and shortly thereafter married Kirwin ‘Buddy’ Matthews and moved to Worcester. Betty worked as a nurse for many years across Worcester hospitals and finished her career at Holy Cross. While at Holy Cross she proudly completed her BS at St. Joseph’s College. She was a faithful member of Christ the King parish. Summers were spent in Wells and later in Kennebunkport, Maine where Betty and Bud shared their love of the ocean, long days at the beach, and happy times with their many friends and family. For over 30 years, Betty owned and operated Wildwood Cottages, where she loved to welcome guests to her cherished Maine coast. Betty was passionate for all things sports– whether it was a flag football game at Crompton, Little League game at Burkett or cheering on the Red Sox. Betty was blessed with the Irish gift of gab – she always had a story to share, a grandchild to boast about, or a new friend to make. Her presence was undeniable; everyone loved Betty.
Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband Buddy, her granddaughter Michaela, her sister Cathy Lynch Alie, her brother John McSweeney, her brother-in-law Joseph Matthews and her nieces Patty Flynn and Ann Lundy.
Betty is survived by her twelve children; Kirwin and his wife Cheryl, Sheila Bates and her husband Andy, Steve Matthews and his wife Sheelagh O’Connor, Maggie Cabral and her husband Chuck, Sharon Grow and her husband Mike, Joseph and his wife Wendy, Mike and his wife Christine, Tricia Matthews, Mary O’Connor and her husband Dennis, Dan and his wife Julie, Elizabeth MacLeod and her husband Jack, and Sean and his wife Annie. Betty is also survived by her 38 wonderful grandchildren; Kara, Bob, Kelly, Tom, Andrew, Meghan, Jonathan, Conor, Kate, Joe, Matt, Casey, Patrick, Nora, Sean, Liam, Dylan, Jackie, Anna, Shane, Bob, Erin, Luke, Maggie, Terry, Claire, Emma, Colin, Opal, Glory, Harper, Niall, McCoy, Quinn, Daniel, Robby, Carter and Mackenzie. She truly loved each and every one of them.
In addition, Betty is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, her lifelong friend Ginger Desrosiers Hill, her great-grandchild Jacob Hartmann, her sister-in-laws Margaret Matthews, Kay Matthews, Linda McSweeney, and friends near and far.
Her funeral is Saturday, December 1st from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, November 30th from 4:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 North Main Street # 104, Natick, MA 01760.