Patricia "Patt" Matthews

Patricia Ruby Matthews who loved to be called “Mom” by her kids and “Patt” to her friends and colleagues, departed her loving family on February 6th, 2021. Patt was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 28th, 1941 to Thomas & Irene Ellwood. Patt was mother to Joe, Mike, & Lisa Blood. She raised her children with love, Polish stoicism, a sense of humor, and a subtle trace of sarcasm. Patt married her best friend and love David Matthews later in life and they made their home and happiness in Wilmington, N.C. Dave preceded her in death, however we are sure he greeted her with his big laugh and huge hug. Patt made her living as a Registered Nurse, first at Borgess Medical Center and then at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where she finally retired in 2006. Patt was known for her clinical knowledge, which she gladly passed onto many nurses including her daughter, her steady hands, her deep faith, and her amazing compassion for the most ill of God’s children. While she was often a quiet and private woman, she was always grateful for the loving bond she shared with her friends, most especially Linda Ibbotson and Melba Lukvec. Many days and evenings of coffee, margaritas, or sangrias would pass between them and Patt always felt she was gifted with sisters. And while Patt would always be one to share her drink of the moment, no one ever wanted to share the meal of liver and onions with her, especially her children. Her hobbies included reading mysteries (anything Agatha Christie), sailing, playing tidily-winks with manhole covers, doing crosswords in pen, walking her dog, and sewing the most amazing articles of clothing. Patt is survived by her children and grandchild, Joseph (Susan) Blood II, Michael Blood, Lisa Blood, and Rachel Blood. She is preceded in death by her spouse David Matthews; her parents Thomas and Irene Ellwood; and her brother Thomas Ellwood II. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in celebration of Patt on Saturday June 26th at 11am at St. John Bosco, Rev. Fr. Alan P Jorgensen will preside. Burial will follow at 1:00pm at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Hastings Michigan. A lunch of celebration and remembrance will follow at Seasonal Grill, Hastings Michigan. Deep gratitude and thanks to the staff of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. They allowed her children to keep her final wish – which was to pass peacefully at home surrounded by those who loved her. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or the SPCA of Southwest Michigan can be made in Patt’s name. While at Patt's webpage at www.avinkcremation.com please take time to sign her guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with her family. The family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.