Helen Wilt Matthes

Helen Wilt Matthes

Helen Jane Wilt Matthes passed away peacefully on Friday, January 4, 2013.  She had been a resident of Durham, NC since 1998, when she and her husband, Herland Matthes, relocated from Newark, to be near their children and grandchildren.

Helen was born in Mud Mills on July 16, 1919.  She graduated from Newark High School in 1937, and married Herley on June 28, 1938.  They  owned and operated Graham Florist and Greenhouses for many years.  In addition, Helen was the secretary to the principal at Newark High School for 25 years, until her retirement in 1978.  She was a life-long member of Park Presbyterian Church, and a past matron of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by her son, Bill (Laurel), and granddaughter Andrea Matthes (David Bethea), grandsons Ryan (Corinne) Matthes and Trevor (Melissa) Matthes.  In addition, she leaves behind four adored great-grandchildren:  Jared and Zachary Halverson, William Joseph (Liam) Matthes, and Kenzie Ann Matthes.  She will be missed by her brother, Fred Witt, and his children, Jim Witt, Kathy Latona and Cindy Hartman; and nieces Sue McWharf, Judy (Rick) Morey and Becky Shipley.

Mrs. Matthes spent countless hours knitting hats and mittens for the children staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham.  Over the years, she donated more than 800 caps and pairs of mittens for critically ill children living there while undergoing treatment at Duke University Hospital.  If you wish to honor her with a memorial gift, it would be especially meaningful for her if you would consider contributing to the Ronald McDonald House of Durham, 506 Alexander Ave., Durham, NC 27705.

There will be a memorial service at Park Presbyterian Church in Newark on Monday, January 7^th at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in the church hall, during which her friends and family can share memories and celebrate her long life.