Marilyn K. Mathews

"Marilyn always clapped when I arrived," her step-daughter said. "Yeah, mom always clapped for the people she loved," her daughter replied. Marilyn Kay Wright Mathews was born on a Wednesday, January 10, 1945 to a WWII pilot and a pageant princess from Puerto Rico. The oldest of four daughters, she spent her childhood cradled by the loving arms of her grandmother, Marcola. She was raised with bread basket values and her cheerleading outfit. After graduating from Brookfield High, Class of 1963, she moved to Hubbard where she raised three loving children and later relished her beautiful bonus daughters. A lifelong thrifting queen with an origin story beginning with "garage saling," she loved gardening, decorating, arts and crafts, and cooking family recipes like Spanish Chicken and Rice. She loved creating special gifts for loved ones like a Fievel (the mouse) costume or the matching "Elf on the Shelf" outfit for her granddaughter's American Girl Doll. Her artistic talent led to a jewelry-making endeavor with her items sold at the Butler Institute of American Art. A true "Hubbardite," she was a dedicated community member. She was a longstanding member of Fortnightly Club, Saint Patrick's Church, and The Garden Club. As a young mother, she dutifully participated in PTA and was a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts of America. Then later in life, she volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank. But her favorite way of giving back to her "sweet, little town" was spent at the Hubbard Public Library. A voracious reader, she was always game for a mystery or deep, philosophical content. She cherished every moment she spent volunteering with the Friends of the Library. Marilyn loved the sweet, beautiful bits of life: time with her children and grandchildren, watching the birds, fawning over babies, cheering for Ohio State and receiving trick or treaters. She was kind to a fault. She loved her husband's good nature and fun, loving spirit that made her years the fairy tale we all deserve. She bragged and doted over her grandchildren like a crazy person - a person crazy enough to know life is short and the little things are what really matter. She made everyone feel special and loved. She described her home as her Xanadu and she shared it with the absolute love of her life, her partner of 36 years, her best friend, her built in magic and comedy show, her husband Robert "Bob" Mathews. Sharing ice cream cones and Chinese food, laughing around the kitchen island with family and friends they danced to the oldies and Motown. She whispered melodies of Dolly Parton, Mama Cass and Karen Carpenter as they collected the moments - a well of love as deep as the loss felt. She gratefully passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones in her Xanadu. And no doubt her place in heaven is full of flowers covered in twinkle lights as she waits to clap for her loved ones when they arrive. Her stepdaughter Elizabeth Mathews Richardson was waiting for her, while her husband Robert Mathews, son David Richmond, his wife Kristina Richmond, daughter Janine "Gigi" Richmond, daughter Marsha Richmond Merry and stepdaughter Audrey (Phil) Mathews Gallo, and her precious grandchildren, Jessica (Chris) Richmond Russo, Jonathan Richmond, Quinn Richmond, Bayden Merry, Brooke Merry, Tyler Richardson, Aiden Gallo and Ava Gallo hold her memory dear. There are no calling hours or services. Marilyn will be laid to rest at Hubbard Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Hubbard Public Library 436 West Liberty Street Hubbard, Ohio 44425. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to visit the funeral home's website at www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences.