Mary Lou (Witherell) Matzen

Mary Lou Matzen, age 80 of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away April 23, 2020 in Newburgh, IN. She was born July 1, 1939 in Manistee, MI to the late Gerald Aerhardt and Izetta Marie (Decker) Witherell.

Mary Lou grew up in Grand Haven, MI and graduated from Grand Haven Senior High School in 1957. She then graduated from Western Michigan University in 1961 with a degree in Elementary Education. In 1962, Mary Lou married David Matzen and moved to Saint Joseph, MI after David graduated college.

Here is an excerpt from what she wrote after two years in college, “It is a wonderful opportunity to attend college. It is a lot of hard work but here, but there’s much enjoyment also. With the help of my family and the help of God and friends, I’m able to attend college and I only hope and pray that I will be able to do my job well and do what is expected of me.” And she certainly did, and even more than expected.

Mary Lou was active throughout her life. She just loved to be among people, even in early grade school. Mary Lou was active with community organizations and high school activities (plays, class officer), was her college dorm president, and was employed for many years as an elementary school teacher.

She contributed to and was involved in many church activities which were very important to her and demonstrated her caring and love for others. She took part in bible studies, was a Sunday school teacher, and she held many community and church leadership positions, including board member of the Protestant Home in Evansville, IN for nine years. As a member of Newburgh Presbyterian Church, Mary Lou served as a Deacon, Trustee and Elder. She was also a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church Evansville, IN.

Mary Lou was a wonderful caring mother and wife. Her family was particularly important to her. Mary Lou enjoyed crafting, and her skills included creating beaded Christmas trees, needlepoint, and miniature tree ornaments. These creations contributed to joyful memories for many people.

The family would especially like to honor, thank and bless the entire staff at Woodlands Golden Living Home in Newburgh, Indiana for their wonderful, loving care for Mary Lou these past four years.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years , David Matzen; son, John (Christine) Matzen; daughter, Amy (Richard) Clements; brother, Gerald (Marcia) Witherell; grandchildren: Evelyn and Benjamin Clements, Meredith and Trent Matzen; sister-in-law, Deanne (David) Westphal; brother-in-law, Richard Matzen; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside service will be held on Monday, April 27, 2020 at Lake Forest Cemetery Grand Haven, Michigan. A Memorial Service for friends and relatives will be held and announced at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mary Lou (Witherell) Matzen Alzheimer’s Advocacy Fund C/O Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.  

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