Marilyn Ann Mathews

Marilyn Ann Mathews, born Jan 8, 1945 in Owensboro, Kentucky, transitioned peacefully on July 7, 2024. As a bright light in the community of Asheville for over 50 years, she always held a deep care for her family, the well-being of others, and the health of the earth. Marilyn was one of those people you never forget. She was quick to welcome anyone with her radiant smile and playful outlook on life. She was known to live for the moment. Folks would often find her dancing at music events around town. She loved all kinds of music, but really enjoyed the Blues, and loved seeing Peggy Ratusz. From the early 1970s through 1990, she lived in a log house in Beech Community north of Asheville with her then husband, Jim Weideman, where she was a dedicated and loving mother of three children: Dawn, Keather, and Japhy. After she and her husband cordially parted ways following 23 years of marriage, she moved to Asheville while continuing to help raise her son, Japhy. After his graduation adventure called Marilyn westward to Flagstaff Arizona and later to Santa Fe. But nowhere like Asheville was home, and it eventually called her back in the late 1990s when she became a realtor with Appalachian Realty. Although she enjoyed her work and the people, she felt a higher calling and subsequently began a passionate pursuit of holistic studies in massage therapy. This was her real gift. She specialized in Lymphatic Massage, practiced for almost twenty years, and became well known in the Asheville area for her graceful healing abilities. Many patients who received her care reported being healed from various severe ailments, enabling them to live more fully because of her special gift of healing. She loved attending and introducing others to the Unity Church of the Blue Ridge. Marilyn is survived by three brothers: Robert Mathews, James Mathews, and Jon Mathews; three children, Dawn Moore, Keather Gougler, and Japhy Weideman; two grandchildren: Erin Shelton, Amelia Weideman; and great-grandson, Cylas Weideman. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the Asheville community. A private celebration for family and close friends is planned for July 28. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Memory Care of Asheville, a community-based organization dedicated to helping adults with Alzheimer's and providing support for their families and caregivers. https://memorycare.org/supporting-memorycare/ways-to-give/#Donate_Online To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilyn, please visit our floral store.