Marilyn Rae "Idgy" MATTHEWS

MATTHEWS, Marilyn Rae "Idgy," passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on October 31, 2009 at her home after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Marilyn was a wife, a mother, grandmother, and inspirational friend. Early in her life she enjoyed bike riding, dancing, swimming, shooting skeet, hunting and fishing. Later, she became an avid tennis player, enjoyed all animals and several other outdoor activities such as bird watching and riding motorcycles. Marilyn was also a fan of the Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. Marilyn grew up in New Salem, Pa. near Uniontown, Pa., where she was a Girl Scout, a member of the International Order of the Rainbow Girls and member of the Eastern Star. Marilyn migrated to Washington, D.C. and then moved to and made a home in Richmond, Va. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Inez Coffman (Loughran); and husband, Barry E. Matthews. She is survived by her sister, Marianne; her sons, Brandon and Brett and his wife, Donna; grandchildren, Dalton and Hunter; many devoted friends; as well as her loyal and faithful companion cat, HoBo. She will be missed by so many, but will now and evermore enjoy peace. A special thank you to all who contributed so much in the last days; you made an example of what an ending should be and defined true friendship. Service and reception will be held at Three Chopt Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 11 a.m. Arrangements by the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Marilyn Matthews for Breast Cancer Research to the VCU/MCV Massey Cancer Center, Development Office, P.O. Box 980214, Richmond, Va. 23298.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.