Emily Irene Matthews

Emily “Emmy” Irene Adams Matthews, aged 77, answered God’s call in her home on Saturday, May 25th, 2024. Beloved wife of 47 years to Albert R. Matthews, Jr. and loving sister, mother, grandmother, (great) aunt, and friend.

Born June 16th, 1946, in Hammond, IN, Emily was the youngest of nine children born to James E., Sr. and Joy Leona Moore Adams. From Logan Street, a seven-year-old Emily would move with her parents and sister, Marilou, to their newly constructed Dyer home. Prior to graduating from Dyer Central High School in 1965, Emily suffered a prom date snafu that would lead to a last-minute setup with a handsome stranger by the name of “Al” Matthews, Jr. They soon married and had three sons, Arthur, Adam, and Allen. Unfortunately, none were daughters, but God provided four granddaughters, Richanne, sisters Ashley and Veronica, and Alyssa (also known as “the baby’s baby”).

An outspoken activist, dedicated genealogist, and passionate history buff since childhood, Emily believed in the power of people and worked hard to stay connected with everyone she held dear. While fond of all pets, she was partial to cats and loved collecting “pretty things,” be it bells or crafted angels. From her first reading of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Emily was an instant lover of science-fiction, horror/fantasy, and no Rotten Tomatoes rating could stop her from experiencing the next B-rated adventure. Emily is remembered fondly by countless people from (quite literally) around the world who loved her dearly.

Emily is preceded in death by her loving husband, Albert Ray Matthews, Jr.; her adoring parents, James E., Sr. and Joy Leona (Moore) Adams; her dear siblings, Elizabeth J. (Robert C.) Holmes, James E. (Jean R. Groves) Adams, Jr., David Lee (Beatrice L. Hong Chin) Adams, Sr., Gwendolyn “Gwenny” (Sam) Aiello, Lucille “Lucy” M. (Clifford Edward) Ward, Elsie Leona (Bernard J.) Frazier, Joy Ellen Adams; and her best friend, Jackie (Cooke) Ellingham.

Emily is survived by her dear sister, Marilou (James) Beshears; favorite sons, Arthur, Adam (Paula Ketcham), and Allen (Kathryn Krooswyk) Matthews; treasured granddaughters, Ashley (Jason) Sieracki, Richanne Matthews, Veronica Matthews, and Alyssa Matthews; and a great many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

A Visitation for Emily will be held Monday, June 3, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322. A Funeral Service will occur Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home. A Committal Service will occur Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 1:00 to 1:15 PM at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Matthews family.