Shirley Joan Matthews

Shirley Joan Matthews, 84, passed peacefully 7-18-17 at home surrounded by family, in Spokane, Washington. Shirley was born July 7, 1933 in Coopersburg, PA to Noah and Anna Markley. She graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1951 and attended her 40th reunion in 1991. Shirley was always a hard worker, and was most proud of her early career when she worked as a stenographer at the Washing DC Police and Fire Clinic where she was regaled for her tasty and decorative cakes. Shirley discovered her love for music and live theatre while working at several different theatres in the Washington DC area, including but not limited to Constitution Hall, the Lincoln theatre and the National Theatre. Shirley worked wherever they asked her to, and fondly recalled many celebrities she met while working in the coat and hat check room, notably Debby Reynolds, Danny Kaye, Jean Hagen, Donald O’Connor, Shirley Temple Black and many more. Shirley’s lifelong passion for music and live theatre was shared with all she encountered. She often took a passel of kids to the local theatre to see the latest musical (Music Man, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady) and helped to give many kids a taste of culture they may not have otherwise experienced. Shirley’s heart was bigger than her wallet, but if she had it, she shared it as generosity was Shirley’s middle name. Serving in the Marine Corps was one of Shirley’s shining moments and one she was most proud of. She met her husband, William E. "Matt" Matthews on a blind date, proud of the fact that they were both Marines for Life. Mom loved Dad; Dad loved mom; until the day she died. When asked why she would not consider marrying again, she told me that Dad was her first and last love and could not find another man as great as he. In the weeks before she left us, she recalled her love and admiration for Dad, stating “Matt was a great great Man!”. Shirley lived life with humor, compassion, and kindness earning dads reference as "Love of his Life/Mother to the World". She read anything she could get her hands on and absolutely loved her many magazines gifted by grandson and daughter, and was always so appreciative, often calling to tell us what the latest issue had in store for us. Mom was vivacious and approached most things in life with a smile and a quest to make someone laugh. She believed in natural cures, vitamins and the quality of hard work. Shirley adored her five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren as well as her countless ‘adopted’ kids, grandkids and numerous friends. Shirley never met a stranger as she had a knack for sharing and learning unsurpassed by no one; mom could have anyone sharing their life story within minutes of meeting them. Of course, she also had a knack for sharing OUR life story which we did not actually adore as much, but it was fun to share in her excitement as she would tell a perfect stranger the minute details or latest antics of one of her children, grandchildren, etc. Shirley’s gift to many many people was her love of photography and photographed many weddings in her time---as evidenced by countless boxes of photos, young and old, found recently. Shirley was a beautiful woman, with an engaging smile and a zest for life matched by no one. Asked once if she had any regrets, she recalled that she had always wanted to go to college and while she did not graduate, she was able to take a few classes and probably proved Dad’s theory: she would set the logics professor back 30 years. Mom’s penchant for taking care of others flowed into nearly everything she did as more than anything, she liked to be needed and part of the moment. Free with friendly advice, Mom was extremely well read and could speak intelligently with anyone she encountered. In her later years, Shirley took care of many people in their home who were end of life but not wanting to move to a nursing home. For one family, she drove to Cheney and was thanked for the incredible care she provided their loved one.

Shirley liked feminine clothing and had several with pictures of docs or cats on them----I asked her once if we should get her a little lap dog as everyone I saw her with seemed to adore her. She told me that she loves animals but she loves children more. People mistakenly thought she didn’t like animals, but this is farthest from the truth as any pet I have had has dubbed her “Treat Grandma”. Once while calling mom to see what groceries were needed, she said “Dog and cat treats” to which I replied oh no, there is more on the refrigerator. She said, no honey, those are all gone----they really like them. In sitting telling our favorite stories, there were a few of us that had this same encounter with mom----no wonder the animals all adored her, course it might have to also do with the fact that she gave the best back scratches, human or otherwise. Shirley loved talking on the phone with so many people across the country and local. When given her first cell phone, she declared it would only be used for emergencies but was so excited when she realized she could receive pictures on her little flip phone. When it came time to upgrade her phone, she said, oh I can just keep with my flip phone, we showed her the note 3 which was like a computer to mom. She was leary initially until she realized all that she could do on this ‘little phone’ and soon even learned to text. I will so miss the days I get a 3 minute voice mail or text for my birthday followed by a phone call because “a text alone is not enough”. Life was good but made better when Shirley discovered FACEBOOK. She became the Facebook posting Grammy. I once tried to tell her that posting comments all in caps meant you were yelling at someone. She said, “oh no honey, I am not yelling, I just want to make sure I can see what I am posting.” All who have offered condolences of late have remarked that they will miss her sweet comments and posts as they started to look forward to the LOVE sent from Shirley. Unexpectedly, mom suffered a stroke but even with this, she had the ER staff in stitches with her quick wit and humor. She was a fighter to the end. Family and friends were Shirley’s greatest treasure……and BINGO was her favorite past-time. Shirley, Mom, Grammy, Grandma, Mrs. Matthews: Stated simply, Shirley J Matthews will be remembered fondly by most, thought of by many and dearly missed by all. Shirley is survived by 4 children: Matt (Debby) Matthews, Michael (Lori) Matthews, Patrick (Kelly) Matthews, all of Spokane, Julie (Rich) Talbert of Eagle, ID; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother Noel (Marianne) Markley, SF, CA. Preceded in death by husband "Matt" and daughter Cara-Rose. A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 pm, Saturday, 7-29-17 at the North Spokane Dance Center (7424 N. Freya). Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Shriners Hospital in Spokane.

Arrangements under the direction of NEPTUNE SOCIETY - Spokane, Spokane, WA.