Barbara Jane Mathews

Barbara Jane Mathews

November 2, 1952 – February 27, 2026

With profound sadness and unwavering faith in eternal life, the family of Barbara Jane Mathews announces her passing on February 27, 2026.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Barbara lived a life grounded in Christ's love and devotion to serving others. She moved to Benicia, California from Minnesota in 1986, where she raised her children, volunteering in their classrooms and serving as a Girl Scout leader. In 1995, she settled in American Canyon, where she furthered her education, earning two associate degrees with honors and later, her bachelor's degree. As an Eligibility Benefits Specialist for Solano County since 2002, she dedicated her career to helping those in need. Barbara's work family was very dear to her heart. She spoke of them with gratitude for the kindness, support and sense of purpose they brought to her life.

Barbara loved playing cards with family and gathering with her monthly Bunco group. She poured herself into creating cherished traditions and memories with her large family. A devoted parishioner of Holy Family Church in American Canyon and St. Dominic's Church in Benicia, her life reflected Christ's compassion, humility and unconditional love. She wrote heartfelt letters to family and friends, donated quietly to charities, and carried others in prayer through every season of their lives.

Barbara is survived by her beloved children, Jason Mathews, Robyn Tobias-Meitz (Michael), Kelsey Ruiz (Marco), and Sarah Ferrucci (James) and her treasured grandchildren, Mauraga, Cade, Kayleen, Nicholas, Dominik, Dilynn, and Jacob, each of whom held a very special place in her heart. Nothing brought her more joy than both her blood and honorary grandchildren did, as the number of people that lovingly call her "Grandma" grew throughout the years.

She is also survived by her siblings, Patrick Hughes (Cindy) and Margaret Hughes and her former husband, Jeffrey Mathews.

She was welcomed into eternal rest by her parents, George and Emerine Hughes; her daughter, Heatherlea Mathews; her brother, Michael Hughes (Terry); and her parents-in-law, Winifred and Louis Mathews.

Barbara's legacy is one of love, prayer and selfless devotion. She showed her family what it means to live humbly with grace, to love unconditionally and to trust deeply in God's plan. The traditions she created, the prayers she whispered and the love she gave so freely will remain woven into the hearts of those that know her forever.

She will be loved forever, always and longer xoxoxo

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:25–26

Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19th followed by a Vigil service at 6:00 p.m. at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 20th at St. Dominic's Church followed by burial at St. Dominic's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Dominic's Church in Benicia in her honor.