Olga Matthews

Olga Kathas Matthews, 96, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Loving wife of Nicholas J. Matthews. She is also survived by Joanna (Janet), John (Kay), Jim (Karen), and Angela Hagan (Glenn). Loving grandmother of Nick Matthews, Olga Soukas (Pete), and Emily Matthews; Daniela and Laura Hagan; and Soc and Lexi Matthews. Loving great grandmother of Spiros, Kiriaki, and John Soukas.

Olga was born and raised in Washington, DC. The youngest of three girls, she lived with her sisters Cleo (Deoudes) and Mary (Mancuso) with their parents John and Angelen Kathas. John Kathas was one of the founders of Saints Constantine and Helen, Greek Orthodox Church of Washington, DC.

Olga attended Eastern High School in Washington, DC, became a student pilot, and learned to fly airplanes. On her first solo flight, she experienced engine problems. Glancing at the ground, she steered the plane to an open field so as not to injure anyone below. Olga glided onto a large bale of hay as a nearby farmer came running. She jumped out of the plane, brushed herself off, and asked to borrow a phone to report the incident.

After graduating from high school in the class of ‘44, she took her first job with the U.S. State Department in Washington DC. While on vacation in New England in 1951, she met her future husband, Nicholas.

Nicholas’ job afforded them the opportunity to travel. Her favorite destinations were Paris, France, Monterrey and Carmel, California, and Mackinac Island, Michigan. The couple enjoyed the Island’s car-free environment, opting for the horse and buggy lifestyle.

Olga was a long-time member of the Daughters of Penelope, the women’s philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Nicholas and Olga celebrated 70 years of marriage in June 2022 with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Olga was surrounded by her loved ones in her home when she passed away, which was her wish.