Mary Matthews (neé Knowlton)

MATTHEWS, Mary (neé Knowlton) - Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Bella Senior Care Residence on Sunday May 31, 2015 at the age of 83. Mary has gone to join her loving husband Francis (2012) whom she has missed so much. Dearly loved Step-Mother of Linda McKaig, Paul (Trudy), Patricia (Brian) Marchese, Joan (Ray) Crown, Mary Wilkes, Tim (Judy), Joe (Annalea), Brian (Debbie), Tom (Linda) and Margaret. Lovingly remembered by her 27 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Dear Mother-in-law to Judy and Susan Matthews. An Aunt to many in the Matthews, Brown, Macdonald and Malcolmson families. Lovingly known as 'Buddy', treasured sister of Adele (Hugh) O'Connell, adored Aunt of Mary Adele (Ross) Davies, Hugh (Georgia); Paul (Leslie); Justin (Christine) O'Connell and Great Nieces and Nephews. Predeceased by her parents W. Leo Knowlton (2000) and Mary Teaffe (1981), her step-daughter Maureen (1999) and her husband Paul Bator (1998) and step-son Michael Matthews (2004). Mary was both a Principal and teacher for many years at Separate Schools in Niagara Falls and Toronto touching the lives of thousands of children and their families. As a former member of the Loretto Sisters (IBVM) she was known to many by her religious names Mother Mary Leonard and Sister Mary Knowlton. Mary enjoyed a life of many interests. She and her husband Francis were inseparable during their 37 year marriage that included a long and active retirement spent travelling, studying, celebrating special events with family and friends and cheering on their Toronto Blue Jays. She will long be remembered as a kind and generous woman and for her loving embrace of family and life-long friendships that she cherished. Friends are invited to call at the PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME, 6062 Main St. Niagara Falls, visiting Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church. Cremation will follow with interment at a later date in Mount Hope Cemetery, Toronto. In memory of Mrs. Matthews donations in lieu of flowers to the Loretto Sisters (IBVM) would be appreciated by her family. Online condolences at www.pattersonfuneralhome.com