Sharon Lee (Cyrus) Matthys, 86, passed away on October 4, 2026. Born April 3, 1940, in Potsdam, New York, Sharon was a lifelong daughter of the North Country, and a proud “country girl” at heart who carried Potsdam with her wherever life led.
Sharon graduated from Potsdam Central School with the Class of 1957, and her steady determination soon guided her into nursing. She completed nursing school at Rochester School of Nursing, graduating in 1960, and went on to build a career defined by tireless service and quiet excellence. At Canton Potsdam Hospital, Sharon worked as a registered nurse and later served as Assistant Vice President of Nursing—roles that reflected not only her work ethic, but also her thoughtful, kind-hearted way of caring for others and her deep loyalty to the people she served alongside.
On December 30, 1961, Sharon married her husband, Tex Matthys. For 20 years, she embraced life as a Navy wife, stationed all over the world. Through the constant changes and demands of military life, Sharon’s devotion and selfless steadiness were a source of strength—anchoring home and family with the kind of love that shows up every day, in countless small, faithful ways.
In all seasons of life, Sharon held one truth close: family is everything. That belief shaped her days and her decisions, and it was felt by those who knew her best in the gentle ways she looked after others, remembered what mattered, and offered care without needing recognition.
Sharon also gave her time to the Sanfordville Cemetery Association, serving her community with the same dependable spirit that marked every part of her life.
Sharon is survived by her daughters, Donna (Randy Driscoll) Matthys and Shelley Matthys; grandchildren, Jason (Tayler Kronsberg) Matthys, Leah Matthys, Daniel Matthys, Nicholas Stagnitti, Alyssa Stagnitti, Lauren Stagnitti; great grandchildren, Derrick Matthys, Kian Matthys, Gary Kronsberg, Ella Kronsberg; sister, Patricia (Larry) Pecina; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Kates Matthys and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Clayton "Tex" Matthys; her sons, Johhny Lee Matthys and Michael Edward Matthys; and sister, Gordonna Kelley.
Visitation will be held at Garner Funeral Service, 10 Lawrence Ave, Potsdam, NY 13676, on October 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at Garner Funeral Service on October 10, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. Sharon will be laid to rest at Sanfordville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Potsdam Public Library or to West Stockholm First Responders, 139 Cty Rt 57, West Stockholm, New York 13696, US.
