Theda Louise Matuszewski

Born in the Texas Valley on May 30th, 1928 (the same year Steamboat Willie aka Mickey Mouse made his debut) Theda Louise Grimm entered this world. When Theda was a youngster her parents Ernest and Hazel Grimm settled in Tulsa, OK. As a young girl her love of sports began starting with ice skating and synchronized swimming. She attended Tulsa University where was a Physical Education major enjoying sorority life as a Kappa Delta and was a Kappa Alpha fraternity sweetheart. At TU she met a handsome center on the football team, Leonard Thomas Matuszewski, yet to everyone who knew him he was simply “Mink”. After graduation Theda was offered an opportunity to tour nationally with the renowned figure skating company “Ice Follies”. Times were different then and Theda had to choose between a skating career or something she was sure of, her love for Mink. The young couple married and lived in oil-industry related cities. Each transfer to a new city also added a new member to their family; Melanie (Tulsa), Lenny (Abilene), Ted (Calgary), Maxine (Houston) and Bernie (New Orleans).

In 1968 the Matuszewski’s permanently moved back to Texas. In 1975 Theda and Mink embarked on one of their most cherished chapters as pioneers in the newly developed hometown north of Houston, The Woodlands. Theda’s involvement was immeasurable as she fully engaged her energies and know-how becoming a much relied upon leader and volunteer in many Woodlands community activities and events. Theda and Mink were charter and founding members of The Woodlands Country Club. Many early Woodlands residents remember their annual Houston Open Pro-Amateur Deck Party held at their golf course home where guests enjoyed seeing the pro players with famous celebrities like Bob Hope, Willy Nelson, President Ford and Johnny Mathis. Theda’s passion for getting involved in the community included volunteering for The Woodlands Swim Team, McCullough High Steppers Drill Team, Interfaith of The Woodlands, Women’s Association Score Keeper for The Houston Open Golf Tournaments and so many more. Widowed in 1987 Theda continued to live and thrive in The Woodlands continuing her devotion to all things family. Her flock and happiness increased with each grandchild and great-grandchild.

A lifelong lover of animals the Matuszewski household always enjoyed a family pet and in later years “T” loved spending time with her “grand fur babies”.

After 40 plus years living in her beloved Woodlands community Theda moved into Houston for the last few years. She resided quietly and privately at Belmont Village where she received the greatest of care. She enjoyed her TV shows and watched every program featuring football, baseball and golf. Theda knew the teams, players, statistics, and scores almost as much as her son-in-law, Greg Bailey, Sports Director at ABC 13. While many of the residents might not have known or met her, it is for certain every staff member and caregiver at Belmont knew who Theda was through her kind, thoughtful and always polite way. Every single one of them can now tell you about Theda’s favorite Netflix TV series “Call the Midwife”!

As her loving family says goodbye to their “T” (nickname) they each remember one singular characteristic. She was the best cheerleader anyone could have. “T “ was fiercely devoted to her children, their spouses, grandchildren and greats. She possessed the most amazing way of shining her “spotlight of love” on everyone fairly and evenly. Everyone felt it, saw it with her beautiful blue eyes and this will be missed more than anything.

Preceded in death by parents, Hazel and Ernest Grimm, brother Ernest “Sonny” Grimm and her husband Leonard Thomas “Mink” Matuszewski.

Theda is survived by her loving children Melanie Ann Beridon and husband Leon, Leonard “Lenny” Thomas Matuszewski, Jr. and husband Michael Bickham, Stanley “Ted” Theodore Matuszewski, Maxine Marie Bauer and husband Tim, Bernadette “Bernie” Evelyn Bailey and husband Greg.

Theda adored her Grandchildren, Jennifer Nix, Lee Beridon, Aimee Martin and husband Chris, Justin Jackson and wife Erin, Jessica Jackson, Madison Bauer, Zach Huerter and wife Aubrey, Quincey Huerter and Great Grandchildren, Jourdan Nix, Tylor Nix, Brody Nix, Hunter Nix, Sloane Martin, Colt Jackson, Remi Jackson, Zoey Huerter, Miles Huerter and Max Huerter.

A private service will be held at Houston National Cemetery on Wednesday, April 19th. “T” will always be remembered for her lively energy, warm smile, clever humor and very loving way.

As one of the original settlers of The Woodlands, TX in 1975 Theda embraced her involvement as a member of this new hometown community volunteering and became active in many clubs and happenings. In remembrance of Theda’s special affection for The Woodlands the family asks, should friends desire, memorial contributions be made to Interfaith of The Woodlands, 4242 Interfaith Way, The Woodlands, TX 77381 or online at woodlandsinterfaith.org

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