Elaine Matthews

We are sad to announce the passing of Elaine Michele Matthews, of Oxford, Michigan.  She passed away at age 70 on February 9, 2023, surrounded by her daughter Kristy, son Mike and dear friend Kevin, after battling with multiple illnesses she was called to rest.  Elaine was born in Detroit on July 24, 1952, to the late Kenneth and Emily Matthews.  Elaine graduated from Laura F. Osborn high school in Detroit, class of 1971, and went on to take a couple of business classes.  In May of 1977, she got a job with Chrysler and worked there for 30 years until she retired in August of 2007.  While there she worked in the mail room, the bindery, and as a shipping clerk along with various other positions.  During that time Elaine married and went on to have 2 children a daughter Kristy and a son Michael.  She also raised several stepchildren and foster children throughout the years.

Elaine enjoyed playing softball as well as being a part of her children's lives by coaching their softball teams and being Kristy's Girl Scout leader and Mike's Cub Scout leader for many years.  She also enjoyed camping, reading, tie dying, and tending to her many plants and pets.  She loved owls.  She thought they were beautiful and liked them because she knew her sister Pat was terrified of birds.  That was her sense of humor.  She could be quite the comedian, even a bit of a smart ass, but always the loving mother, sister, and friend.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Kristy Jarosz (Tom), and her son Michael.  She is the dear sister of Patricia Matthews (the late Stephen Malinczak) and the late Kenneth C. (Christine Lipson) Matthews II; and the adoring grandmother of Jordan Rodier, Jeffrey Sobocinski, and Raven Rodier.  Elaine was expecting her first great-grandchild, a boy in June to her grandson Jordan and his girlfriend.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Kenneth (Cheryl) Matthews III, Flicka (Gene) Schaffer, Jim (Jill) Brzezinski, the late Rick Matthews, and Mike-David Matthews Stegeman; along with several great nieces and nephews.

At this time, we are not having a funeral per Elaine's wishes.  She chose to be cremated.  We will be having a memorial sometime this summer to honor her memory and celebrate her life.  Details to follow.