Janet Lee Mathews

For years, we wondered why Mom needed every cup of coffee and plate of food to be as hot as possible. While under hospice care in her last days in Cedar Park, Texas, we realized that a heart as warm as hers could only be fueled by piping hot coffee and food.

Janet “Boots” Lee Mathews was born on May 28, 1933 in Clearfield, PA. She was the second youngest of twelve children born to Richard and Beulah Anderson. She went to a world of perfect food temperature on September 19, 2021, exactly 41 years after the death of her husband, (Harry) Ray Mathews. She was also preceded in death by her oldest child, Sheree Lynn Mathews on May 18, 1974.

Janet graduated from Clearfield High School in 1952. That August she married high school sweetheart and yellow-taxi-cab driving Ray. Ray enlisted in the US Army and while he traversed through Europe, Boots was winning roller-skating contests in Clearfield and learning to perfect the best pork chops ever. (A combination of browning and steaming them, something that seems so simple, but her children could never replicate.)

Even with those formative years in the sweet little town of Clearfield being such wonderful times, there were costume parties waiting to be won in Cleveland, OH, Lexington, KY, and eventually Austin, TX. Despite her nickname, we don’t think Mom ever owned a pair of boots even while spending her final 50 years in Austin.

Once her children were raised, Janet worked for Sears, IBM and United Heritage Credit Unions, United Teachers Insurance Company, and a bridal gown salon. She had incredible energy and a strong work ethic. An extremely successful businesswoman, Janet was also instrumental in keeping many dollar, hobby, and discount clothing stores and craft fairs in business.

Janet loved her family. The mention of any of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would make her break out in a happy dance. The four grandchildren describe her:

“Grandma never missed a chance to wear a costume…to any and every occasion. She even sometimes wore them into restaurants.” (Ashley Carr Klein and Daniel, Lincolnville, KS.) “The life of every party and one worth attending, Grandma always lit up every venue. From social gatherings to family events, if she was there, you wouldn’t want to miss it”. (Austin Carr, San Antonio) “For Grandma, shopping was a symphony, and she was Mozart. She found such joy in finding gifts we all loved. She would spin a bargain basement mark-down into a treasure”. (Amy Carr MacCrindle and Matt, Crystal Lake, IL.) “No matter what holiday, big or small, you could always count on Grandma having every room decorated and donning matching attire. She loved to celebrate every occasion with her friends and family.” (Macey Mathews Mueller and Ryan, Houston, TX). No doubt her great-grandchildren, Cooper, Hudson, Emerson, and Everly MacCrindle will enjoy these tales for years to come.

The family thanks all the folks at Suncrest Hospice and The Enclave at Cedar Park for the love, care, laughter, and hope you provided her the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to take someone special to you to a happy hour, costume party, dollar store, or help them paint some ceramics. Janet will be there, too. Her family will celebrate her life at a memorial later this fall.

Janet Mathews was, to all that knew her, a warm-hearted standout who was always preparing herself to hear those words, “Well done…good and faithful servant.” Indeed, well-done Mom.

Your loving children, Pamela Mathews O’Connor (Martin) and Gary Ray Mathews.