Mary Cleary Matvias

She was born in Bradford, Pa. on Aug. 19, 1948 to Joseph Mannix Cleary and Rita Brennan Cleary. Mary is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Rita Mary Cleary.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dr. Fredrick M. Matvias Sr., and her three children: Fredrick M. Matvias Jr. (Brighid), Kathryn M. (Joseph) Rexrode, and Kristina M. (Jeffrey) Furst; seven grandchildren: Jackson, Frederick, Brennan, Henry, Mary, Caroline and Kathryn; and her sister, Susan C. Johnston (Joe), and nieces and nephews.

An artist and teacher by trade, Mary spent her life giving to others. She attended Pratt Institute, a prestigious art school in New York City, and graduated with honors from Marygrove College. She was an avid Junior League and PTO volunteer, and a devout member of the Catholic Church. Mary also managed their prosthodontic practice.

Mary poured everything into her children and was intimately involved in the lives of her grandchildren. Her most cherished role was that of wife to Fred. Theirs was a remarkable love story built on devotion, respect and true partnership. They were best friends. They met at 14 years old and spent a lifetime building the future they dreamt of as teenagers.

A funeral Mass will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 14 at St. Finbarr Catholic Parish, 13520 Tamiami Trail East in Naples, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Father Solanus Casey Center (https://www.solanuscasey.org/)