Mabel W. Mathews

Mabel Winifred Mathews of Cordova, Maryland died peacefully on November 24, 2008 at Ruxton Health of Denton. Born on July 11th, 1923 in St. Marylebone in London, England, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Winifred Woodruff Seaman. She was the wartime bride of James Mathews, also of England, who died in March of this year. They were married at The Parish Church of Rivenhall in the County of Essex on the 4th of July 1941. During the war Mabel aided the war effort working as a machinist, sewing uniforms and parachutes in Silver End, Essex. Mabel Mathews and her family emigrated to the United States in 1963, first to Pound Ridge, NY, and then to Easton, MD. She and her husband then took their five youngest sons to Australia to live on a cattle ranch for three years. After returning to the States, they lived in Tennessee, Florida, and North Carolina before finally settling in Maryland. Mrs. Mathews dedicated her life to her husband and her large brood. She had an incredible sense of humour – classic British wit – and she was always ready for a new adventure and accompanied her husband of 66 years as they traveled around the world. The consummate homemaker, Mabel worked side by side with her husband as they built and refurbished their homes. She enjoyed knitting, reading, puzzles and was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan. She was beloved of her family, friends and pets and will be greatly missed. She is survived by son Graham and wife Pamela of Australia; daughter Ann and husband John Blyth of Maleny, Australia; daughter Christine and husband LeRoy Panek, of Westminster, Maryland; son Nicholas and wife Melissa of New Bern, North Carolina; son James of Florida; son Peter and wife Annie of Cordova, Maryland; son Robert and wife Lindsay of Chestertown, Maryland; and son John and wife Pamela of Oak Ridge, North Carolina. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 12 ½ great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Ruxton Health of Denton for the love, care and friendship they gave to their mother during the past several months. A memorial service will be held at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam in Chestertown, MD at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 29th. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in the name of Mabel Mathews to Ruxton Health of Denton, 420 Colonial Drive, Denton, Maryland 21629.

Mabel W. Mathews

July 11, 1923 - November 24, 2008