Rita Matthews

2025 - 2025

Rita Matthews
08/03/2025 - 03/05/2025


"The Grande Dame and fashion Icon" Rita Shaw Matthews who was known for her classic and impeccable style of Lakewood Yacht Club moved on to God's heavenly shores on April 5, 2025. Born in 1929 in Roanoke Virginia to parents "Duke" and Gladys Shaw. Rita was a beautiful, vivacious and loving child. Early in her life the family moved to Jackson Heights, New York for a better work opportunity. Duke worked for Ford Motors and later worked for PepsiCo. He was a wonderful provider for his family during the Great Depression of 1929 and beyond. Rita was involved in many high school activities and after graduation she was discovered and worked as a model in the garment district of New York City while also involved in local theatre. She loved growing up in New York City going to Museums and the theatre which she enjoyed and supported throughout her lifetime. She also enjoyed going to concerts especially to see her favorite crooner, Frank Sinatra! She got the traveling bug early in life, sailing on an ocean liner to Europe with a friend. She loved new adventures, experiencing new places and cultures and she was always ready to travel by air, land and sea.

In 1953 she met and married handsome Bronze Star recipient of the Korean War, Edward T. Matthews Jr. They attended Indiana University together and later moved back to New York for Ed's lifetime career with the Shell Oil Company. In 1970, Ed would transfer to Houston, Texas where Rita's life flourished again raising three boys. Later in life she worked for Corporate Convention Services as a tour guide for visitors from around the world. This role would fit her perfectly! She studied and became very familiar with all the Landmarks of Houston and Galveston, which she passionately shared with the visitors. Being avid sailors, Ed and Rita joined Lakewood Yacht Club in 1973 which enhanced their lives significantly. Ed eventually became Commodore and Rita joined many clubs to include the Lady's Association, Race Committee, teaching sailing classes, along with volunteering in many other capacities. They both loved socializing and serving alongside their wonderful lifelong friends. Ed and Rita together also raced competitively on many offshore sailing regattas which is not for the faint of heart, but she was a real trooper and tough when need be. She was also a member of The Storm Trysail Club, which was by invitation only and was a member of (DAR) Daughters of the American Revolution as well as an admiral in the Texas Navy. She also gave to many causes that were near and dear to her heart.
Ed and Rita, both loved Lakewood Yacht Club and the friendships they made so much, that they bought a townhome on the property and moved from Houston to Seabrook, Texas in 2000. Rita was a strong tower of strength for Ed through several bouts with cancer which he succumbed to in 2006. She continued a very active and fruitful life including her love for travel, volunteering, and the support of her Seabrook Baptist Church family. Then, another tragedy occurred with the loss of her son Scott in 2022 when he passed away from Leukemia. Rita was devastated and heartbroken, never expecting one of her children to pass before her, but she showed her inner strength and increased faith in God through these trials.
Rita was an extraordinary woman whom everyone loved as much as she loved them!

Rita Matthews is survived by her loving sons Edward "Chip" and David, her daughter-
in-law Angela, her two grandsons and their wives, Chandler and Alyce, Carson and Lily. Rita was loved by all but most importantly we were loved by her! She will be deeply missed.