Kristel "Kris" Matthews

Born and raised in New Jersey, Kristel attended Mater Dei Prep through high school, where she had great memories and friends, who she continued to keep in touch with until her passing. She attended the University of Hartford where she completed her Bachelors’ Degree in English and made a huge impact through her professional career in the university’s Admissions, and later Alumni Relations, offices. She made lifelong friends through her work at the university, including meeting her husband of 40 years, George.

Kris then took on her most important and fulfilling role of mother, raising her son and daughter, who she told constantly how proud she was of them. Her visits with them (and their friends) at Notre Dame & Vanderbilt brought her great joy. She became a "professional volunteer," serving the community through many different organizations including St. Brigid’s School, Friends of the Sherborn Library, Dover-Sherborn Guidance Advisory Board, St. Theresa’s Parish in Sherborn, JDRF, the HOA Pool Committee, and the west Westbrook Book Club.

It was in 2019 that she began her most beloved role as “Nana” to her grandchildren, Hugh V (“Cinco”) and Sloane, who rejoiced when they saw her red car pull into the driveway, looked forward to making pancakes with her at sleepovers, and loved their outings with her to Busch Gardens, the Williamsburg airport, the library, and all of the other fun places Nana could find.

Kris moved all across the country during her life, making countless friends along the way including in West Hartford, CT; Sherborn, MA; Waltham, MA; Newport Coast, CA; Hillsboro, OR; before settling a few years ago in Williamsburg, VA. They can all attest to her being the consummate hostess and ensuring she had the perfect gift for her friends and family for every occasion, which brought her great pride and joy.

Daughter of the late Joseph Kananowitz and Estelle Cappello, Kristel is survived by her husband George Matthews and their canine companion Gipper; son Scott Matthews and wife Emilie Tole; daughter Elizabeth Bryan and husband Hugh Bryan IV; brother Joseph Kanon; step-father Angelo Cappello; grandchildren Hugh and Sloane Bryan; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and countless dear friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to a scholarship being established in Kristel's name at the University of Hartford. Donations can be sent to: University of Hartford, Institutional Advancement, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on October 7th at the Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Family and friends are invited to toast Kris at a reception following the service.