Matthew Martin Drew-Caffin

Matthew Drew-Caffin, born on September 25, 1997, in Surrey, England, passed away in Chicago on December 29, 2024. He was a remarkable individual whose intelligence, wit, and fierce independence left an indelible mark on all who knew him. A lover of books and music, an avid chess player, and endlessly curious, Matthew was known for his keen observations and perfectly timed clever remarks. His life was also shaped by the challenges of mental health, yet his legacy remains one of inspiration and strength.
Matthew had a deep passion for philosophy and loved his Philosophy Forum at St. Alphonsus Church, where he eagerly looked forward to their weekly meetings. These gatherings allowed him to engage in thoughtful discussions about philosophical writings and explore the ideas of some of the greatest thinkers ever. His enthusiasm for learning and his ability to engage with complex ideas was truly inspiring. His mom, Jayne, fondly remembers when Matthew was younger, carpooling him to school while discussing philosophy with a good friend. They would laugh and challenge each other as they named their Top Ten favorite philosophers, a conversation that continued to resonate with Matthew throughout his life.
Matthew is survived by his loving family: his mother, Jayne, and his brother, Max. His late father, Lee, who passed away recently, is now reunited with him in spirit. He is also remembered by his grandparents, Dennis and Dianne Drew, and fondly reunited in memory with Fred and Eileen Caffin. His extended family includes cherished aunts and uncles-Jim (Mary), Bill (Kathy), Kate (Paige), Lindsey, and great aunts and uncles: Mary, Peggy, Colleen, and Terry (Cathy). His cousins, Alyson, Drew, Tyler, Missy, Zach, and Martin, will forever cherish their memories of Matthew, particularly their spirited Nerf gun battles during the holidays. Matthew will also be deeply missed by a wide circle of extended family and friends, all of whom were touched by his presence and character.
Matthew was deeply loved by his cherished dogs, Rooney and Louie, who provided him with unwavering companionship and joy throughout his life.
A memorial visitation will be held at St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W Wellington Ave, Chicago, on Saturday, January 11th, at noon, followed by a Mass to celebrate Matthew's life at 1 pm.
In honor of Matthew's life, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Esperanza Community Services, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities-a cause close to his and his family's hearts. Your generosity ensures that others can thrive, just as Matthew would have wished. https://donorbox.org/in-loving-memory-of-matthew
Matthew will always be his mom's "Little Pumpkin Pie," and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
NOTE FOR PARKING AT ST. ALPHONSUS CHURCH:
Free parking with no time limit is available in two lots:
-Directly across from 1421 W. Oakdale Ave
-At the southwest corner of Oakdale Ave and Southport Ave.