In Loving Memory of our Mother

Patricia Ann Mathias

December 10 ^th , 1933 – June 4 ^th , 2018-06-20

The life of our mother, Patricia Ann Mathias, was a life filled with such joy, love, and giving of her heart to her family and friends.  From her humble beginnings growing up in the Great Depression era and living on a farm, she learned and embraced the traditional values of raising and caring for a family, honoring and loving her husband, and always thinking of the needs and cares of others above her own.

So many memories of her unconditional love have warmly filled our household over the years.  Our mother gave so much of herself through her involvement in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts during those childhood years that it became apparent to all just how much she cared about the welfare of her children and also the children of other parents.  Mom was an amazing cook and baker.  Thoughts of homemade apple pie, pot roast on a cold winter’s night, and all of those delicious birthday cakes are sealed in our hearts as we reminisce on the closeness and oneness of our family.

Mom was as wise as an owl which of course is a testimony to her wonderful collection of all kinds of owl statues proudly displayed in our home.  She was a master of crossword puzzles and scrabble and could remember the most obscure details about places, people, and events.  She had an amazing gift of being able to weave her colorful storytelling into practical lessons for life which has added so much richness and value to our lives.

Throughout her life, our mother was our family’s solid anchor of support and love.  She was always the safe and peaceful harbor that we could rest in, regardless of life’s raging storms and disappointments.  Her warm hugs and soft whispers of loving words will never cease to remind all of us of her unfailing love and devotion to her family throughout all the seasons of our lives.  In Proverbs 31:26-28, the Word of God states the following:

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

These words of truth speak of just how special and precious our mother was and always will be to our family.  Mom, we love you and miss you so very much.

Mom’s legacy continues on with a very extensive family including her husband, two sons, two daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

Our family will be having a Celebration of Life event on December 10 ^th , 2018, to remember and rejoice over the life of Patricia Ann Mathias.  She would have been 85 years old.  Details of the event will be made available to all family and friends who would like to attend.

In honor of our mother, a memorial foundation has been established through Salus Homecare who provided such compassionate and comforting care for our mom in her final days. Any donations received will be used to assist Salus’ patients with their homecare costs.  Donations can be sent to: Salus Hospice. 630 Roosevelt, Irvine, CA 92620.  A letter of your Memorial Donation will be sent to you with all our sincere thanks.

May our mother rest in God’s loving care.

“What I’ll Remember About Mom”

My mom was so many things to me.  She was a trusted advisor, and opinionated conversationalist with a competitive spirit. Mom was smart.

She was not bashful about calling you out when she thought you were wrong.  She was not overly complimentary even when you thought you deserved to be.  I knew she took pride in who I was and who I grew up to be.  Mom built character in me.

She was always there for me and demonstrated unwavering commitment, support and love.  Mom had heart.

She loved her family and cursed those who dare hurt on of us.  Mom, the protector.

From the times I can remember in Nebraska and Kansas she was also a playmate of mine.  Playing and teaching games, Solitaire, Gin Rummy, Yahtzee and more.  It’s silly what you remember, but as a young boy out in our Kansas yard, I came across the biggest grasshopper I’d ever seen.  It had to be 7″ long, black as night, with green stripes and massive wings. I had to have that bug, but did not have the courage to catch it in a jar, but she did.  Mom was brave.

My Den Mother, PTA Mom and Bowling Coach, she was all of them.  She encouraged me to play and sing music.  She taught me how to cook and learn kitchen skills, both of which are my passions today.  She got me through school.  She made me a good man.  Mom was a teacher.

When we were in New York she saw me off to college. Letting me go start a new life only to see my return six months later, as I had fallen for a girl I had to get to know. She was not that little girl’s biggest fan in those days, but oh my, how they eventually became as close as any Mother and Daughter could have been. Debbie was the Daughter not born to her but the one she always wanted and cherished. Mom had passion.

Mom partied at times as good as anyone. From those five o’clock somewhere cocktails at our family home after I turned 18 to fun times we shared at local Happy Hours when we worked together, in a small New York business. It was just last October, she visited me at my home in North Carolina, where we would share our last cocktail together. Truth be told, we also smoked a lot of cigarettes together so many years ago, just shooting the breeze. I wouldn’t change a thing. Mom was a friend.

California dreaming for 30 years where she was Grandma and Great Grandma to my brood. Always still Mom to me. So glad for those Golden years she spent with all of us. Things are not forever.

She’s got so much more to do, but not in this world. Her world now is surrounded by so many people she missed and had so much fun with and love for during her time here. She’s reunited with Janie, Burt, Loretta, Joyce, Ricky, Marge, Augie, Bob, Barb, Bainie, her own Mom and Dad! Too many more to write here. It’s true, family is eternal.

I will miss my Mom in this world, but know I’ll see her in the next. That’s OK Mom, I’m in no hurry. But God I wonder Mom, how big are the Grasshoppers in Heaven,

Dale Arthur Mathias