Obituary of Betty Jean Matthews

Betty J. Matthews died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, July 14, 2024. She was 97 years old. Betty lived a full life during her 97 years. She was born in Langdon, North Dakota on September 26, 1926. Her family moved to California when she was a young girl. She attended high school in Albany. In her senior year she met Patrick Matthews who was stationed in Alameda. Pat had run into her cousin, who he knew, and her cousin invited Pat to Betty’s high school dance. Needless to say Pat was a good dancer as was Betty and they quickly fell in love. However, the Navy shipped Pat off to Hawaii for a year shortly after they met. They wrote to each other every day and when Pat returned they got married. The marriage lasted 58 years until Pat passed away in 2004. They had a long and loving marriage that produced 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Betty is survived by her two children Linda (Bill) Sullivan, Dennis (Laura) Matthews, her grandchildren, Meghan, Patrick, Shaun, Kate and Kyle, Nine great-grandchildren. Betty was an excellent bridge player and golfer. Pat taught her golf and she learned so well that she eventually started to outscore him. Her mother, Bertha, was also an excellent bridge player. The two of them were extremely competitive and both hated to lose. Family was very important to Betty and she spent as much time with them as possible. She and Pat had a lot of friends as well and they stayed close to them for many years. Their social calendar was always full. Betty was able to travel extensively visiting Ireland, China, Greece, Scotland, and various points around the world. Although she loved to travel she was always glad to return home to her family and friends. It is true to say that Betty lived a full and happy life. She will be missed and remembered forever. Burial will take place at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Monday, July 29, 2024, at One O’clock in the Afternoon.