News Summary
Mary Frances Matthews, resident of Dominion Village Senior Living, passed away at 98, remembered for her resilience and dedication to family. Born in Detroit, she overcame adversity during WWII, returning to the US in 1944. A graduate of nursing school, she married Marshall D. Matthews, raised four children, and cherished her Catholic faith. Her diverse passions included cooking and music. Survived by her children and grandchildren, her service details will be announced to honor a life devoted to family and strength.
Williamsburg, Virginia – Mary Frances Matthews, a resident of Dominion Village Senior Living, passed away on September 19, 2025, at the age of 98. Known for her resilience and unwavering devotion to her family, her life exemplified strength in the face of adversity.
Born on October 10, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, Mary Frances Grech was the daughter of Calcedonio and Anna (nee Kryza) Grech. Tragically, her mother passed away in 1933, leading Mary to spend her childhood in Malta with her paternal grandmother and four aunts. World War II started before she could return to the United States, and she faced the difficulties of wartime living – including bombings and food scarcities due to the German naval blockade – while residing in Malta.
Mary’s return to the United States came in 1944, following the liberation of Malta by Allied Forces. On her journey back, she stopped at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, to recuperate from her harrowing experiences during the war. She eventually returned aboard the S.S. Cullinan, after which she completed her high school education and attended the Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing.
In 1948, Mary married Marshall D. Matthews, who would serve in the U.S. Air Force. Their marriage saw the family relocating numerous times across the country before ultimately settling in Yorktown, Virginia, in 1959. Later in her life, Mary returned to her education, achieving an AA degree from Thomas Nelson Community College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Mary Frances Matthews was a passionate individual with diverse interests. She enjoyed cooking, reading, playing piano, sewing, ceramics, and walking along the scenic York River waterfront. Her Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout her life, particularly during the tribulations of World War II. She viewed her faith as a source of strength and comfort that helped her navigate the challenges she faced.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents and her devoted husband, Marshall D. Matthews, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. She is survived by her four sons: Dennis (Celeste), Robert (Vicki), Michael (Donna), and daughter Katherine Slade (John). Mary also leaves behind a cherished family legacy that includes several grandchildren: Colby (Kimberly), Joshua (Jen), Devin (Jennifer), Meaghan (Shawn), Brendan (Melissa), Nicholas (Megan), and Amanda (Chris). Additionally, she is survived by eight great-grandchildren: Alliyah, Josh, Isabella, Colin, Joshua II, Olivia, Alexandra, Slade, Emma, and Kalina, as well as one great-great-grandchild, Abagale.
Service information will be announced once finalized, allowing family and friends to pay their respects to a woman who embodied resilience, love, and the importance of family throughout her extraordinary life.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Mary Frances Matthews Obituary
- Legacy: Mary Matthews Memorial
- Metropolitan Funeral Service: Mary McNulty Memorial
- Google Search: Mary Frances Matthews
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mary Mathews
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
