Felicity Matscheck

Felicity Matscheck Of San Francisco died peacefully at home with her family on Dec. 4, 2010. Known to many by her cheerful smile and nickname Happy, she brought to everyone she met a calm attention, empathy, humor and respect. Born in Chicago, she spent her childhood in Saugatuck, Michigan, during the Great Depression. Growing up in a community active in the arts gave her a lifelong appreciation of them. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from U. of Chicago, Class of 1943. There she met Harold Matscheck on his return from duty in World War II, beginning a marriage of 60 years. They were active in the civil rights movement. In 1958 they moved with their two small children to San Francisco. Felicity is best known for her career as Vice President of James Plessas Advertising, where she worked until her retirement in 2004. For 35 years Felicity was responsible for overseeing the agency's copy and visual work for local, regional and national accounts. She was known in the industry as The Lady, and her editing skills were widely esteemed. Always bristling at crass commercialism, she dignified her profession with grace, taste and style. Fully involved in Bay Area cultural life over 50 years, Felicity and Harold's many memberships included MOMA, SF Ballet, Friends of Chamber Music, and Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society. At Yoshi's, they indulged their love of jazz. They frequented local neighborhoods and traveled often. Harold died in 2008. Felicity and Harold are deeply missed by her sister Hilary Orbach of New York, their son David Matscheck of Stockholm, daughter Janet Orth of Willits, granddaughter Juniper Nichols of Santa Cruz, their spouses, nieces and nephews, and two great-granddaughters. A private memorial was held in May for close friends and family. To correspond, please contact: ffmatscheck@gmail.com. If gifts are given, please donate to arts or education in your community, or toward college education of your own family or friends.