Obituary: Linda G. Matthews

Linda G. Matthews, age 75, loving mother of two and adoring wife to husband Norman M. Matthews, passed away in the early afternoon of Dec. 24, 2022.

She was born April 2, 1947, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, to Twila (McLaughlin) and George R. Barnhart (U.S. Army Ret.), where her father was stationed. She attended and graduated Plum High School and later the Institute of Computer Management in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduating with an associate degree in applied computer programming. She grew up loved and supported by a large extended family and, more immediately, with siblings Carl Barnhart, Kathy (Dan) Friedeman, and Karen (late Jake) Kosmach looking on their sister with reverence and admiration for her kind heart and tremendous inner strength. Those having the pleasure to know Linda through the years were always aware of her charm, contagious smile and youthful glow.

It was in Dayton, Ohio, while working for the Air Force Defense Electronics Supply Center, that she met the love of her life at the wedding of a mutual friend. Falling in love instantly, Norman and Linda were married after a short courtship during the winter of 1968. Proudly celebrating 54 years of marriage on Dec. 14, 2022, the two were steadfast in love, and shall remain “Sweethearts Forever.”

Eric, their first-born son arrived during the summer of 1969, with Steven joining the family as a second summer child in 1976. After a move in 1971, she called Lewiston home while the family continued on a path of hard work and growth in a wonderful community of friends and neighbors. Linda took great pride in her career and, in the mid-1980s, began working at the Niagara University Library, ultimately retiring from the financial aid department after suffering a stroke in the summer of 1989.

Those who knew Linda well, knew a determined and relentless spirit who, defying odds, was able to come back from certain deficit to enjoy a wonderful and plentiful 33 years with her family before her passing last month. She will be missed by many, as there are few whose life she did not enrich upon meeting.

Sisters-in-law Linda Ungaro and Christine Matthews; nieces Carly Karns and Amanda Lyndsay; your two loving sons, Eric and Steven; husband Norman; and numerous extended family and friends wish you peace and love along your walk with the Lord.

A celebration of life reception will take place on Saturday, April 1, after 3 p.m. at the Brickyard Brewing Company banquet facility. All are encouraged to attend and share stories to honor and celebrate Linda.

The family requests any support or donations be made to Niagara Hospice House or the American Stroke Association, and can be made at the following links: https://www.stroke.org, https://www.niagarahospice.org

Arrangements were made through the Rhoney Funeral Home in Lewiston.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com for the guest register.