Patricia "Pat" Louise Matthews

Patricia “Pat” Louise Matthews

Patricia “Pat” Louise Matthews, age 87, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022.  Pat was born on Monday, March 25, 1935, in Harrisburg to the late Francis Earley Matthews and Pearl I. (Smith) Matthews.  In addition to her parents, Pat is preceded in death by her brother, Francis Earley Matthews, Jr.

Pat’s survivors include her three nephews: Todd Matthews and his wife, Patti, of Harrisburg; Dean Matthews and his wife, Jane, of Cranberry Township; Gregg Matthews and his wife, Mauria, of Harrisburg; her three great-nephews: Shea, Troy, Nicholas; her great-niece, Natalie; her great-great-niece, Giana; and her best friend, Audrey J. Brown.

Pat graduated from John Harris High School as part of the class of 1953, from Shippensburg University in 1957, and obtained her master’s degree in guidance counseling from Villanova University.  She retired from Upper Darby School District in Drexel Hill in 1988, after 31 years of service working as a teacher.  Pat was a former member of Drexel Hill United Methodist Church in Drexel Hill, where she served as financial clerk/treasurer, was active in United Methodist Women, and sang in the choir.  Most recently, she was a member of Shiremanstown United Methodist and was a member of Philanthropic Education Organization.

Pat was an avid sports fan.  She played varsity field hockey and basketball in college, coached girls basketball and field hockey at Upper Darby Junior High School, and enjoyed cheering on her favorite sports teams: the Phillies, Eagles, and Penn State.  Pat had a passion for reading and was an excellent cook.  She collected cookbooks and reveled in trying new recipes.  Pat loved to travel.  She and her best friend, Audrey, have traveled to every state, Nova Scotia, England, and Scotland together.  Pat also liked going to the beach, most especially Ocean City, NJ.  She and Audrey frequently took her nephews along on trips to the beach and to a cottage in the Poconos, among other places.  Pat will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

All are welcome to join Pat’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. with a service beginning at 2:30 p.m. all at Richard D. Rife Center, Bethany Village, 325 Wesley Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Dr. Brand W. Eaton officiating.  Burial in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill was private.

Contributions in celebration of Pat’s life can be made to Bethany Village Care Assurance Endowment Fund, 325 Wesley Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Pat’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Pat’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.