Obituary of Janice E. Matthews

GOUVERNEUR - Janice E. Matthews, age 78, of Gouverneur passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 surrounded by the love of her family at her home. Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur on Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with her funeral service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Richard Mayforth officiating. Burial will be in the Beech Plains Cemetery. Janice was born on December 23, 1934 in Lincoln, Maine to the late William and Thelma (Sally) Johnston Smith. She graduated from the Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln, Maine after completing four years of business classes. Janice had fond memories of her first job at the Rose bowl. Following high school, she was employed with the Sawmill and Shipping Company and later the Clothespin Factory in Mattawamkeag. She married Marvin B. Matthews on June 27, 1957 and upon his discharge from the Navy they relocated their family to New York State. Over the years they have enjoyed many trips to Lincoln to be with family at the cottage. Janice was a tailor while being a stay-at-home mom. She worked at the Gouverneur Co-op and then as a bookkeeper for Ritchie Brothers Construction, retiring after 25 years. Janice absolutely loved her family holiday times, with Christmas being atop her list, as she was so very giving. All kinds of fond vacations and trips to Maine with her family and friends were also very dear to her heart. Some interests and hobbies she had would include, cooking, sewing, crocheting and knitting. Her knitting specialties were real wool mittens and real wool socks. She also enjoyed gardening, antique refinishing and even giving an occasional haircut to a deserving grandchild. As she loved spending time with all of her family and friends, it was common to get together to go roller blading, cross-country skiing, and yes, even dressing up at Halloween with all the gals. Her survivors include her husband, Marvin Matthews, Sr. of Gouverneur; her children, Rhonda Bowen of Brushton, Marvin Matthews, Jr. and his wife Connie of Pitcairn, Carolee Matthews Premo of Richville; grandchildren, Nathan and Jaclyn Bowen, Carly Matthews, Curtis and Jacob Hall, Caleb and Carter Premo; great grandchildren, Elaina, Noah, Nathaniel, and Aidan Bowen, Liberty Allen, Laynee and Colten Hall; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeannie Smith, Lawrence and Lorraine Smith, Robert and Loree Smith, Douglas and Judy Smith, and Peggy Smith, all of Maine. She is also survived by her husband's siblings, Heman and Joan Matthews of Montana, Thomas and Sue Matthews of Pierrepont, Lewana Bulluck of Roxbury, Dale Hovey of Degrasse, Elizabeth Van Brocklin of Edwards, Delight Van Brocklin of Texas; and many nieces and nephews. Janice is predeceased by her parents; a sister in infancy, Carolee Sue Smith; a son in infancy, Gregory William Matthews; brothers, Fletcher and Daniel Smith; father and mother-in-law, Heman and Myrtle Matthews; and brothers-in-law, Walter Hovey and Randy Van Brocklin.