Rosemary Clara Mathews

Rosemary Clara Mathews, nee Forbeck, 89, of Millstadt, IL, passed away peacefully at her home with Dan and Kelley by her side, on Thursday September 22, 2022. Rosemary was born on April 18, 1933, in Belleville, IL to Leo and Clara Forbeck and they precede her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Mathews, her daughter, Nancy Cates and her brother, Edward Forbeck.

Rosemary married her husband, LeRoy in 1955 and they started their family. Rosemary worked for many years as a seamstress, professional cleaner and as a home maker. She was a very talented baker who loved to give Christmas cookies to her friends and family every year. Her cookies are legendary. Rosemary had a lifelong love of quilting and enjoyed making quilts at the Millstadt Senior Center, St. James Church, Zion Evangelical Church, Concordia United Church of Christ and at home. She also loved to garden and enjoyed teaching others her many talents. Rosemary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Danny (Kelley) Mathews and Michael Mathews, and many grandchildren in addition to cousins, nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.

Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday September 27, 2022, from 9:30am-11:30am at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30am with Msgr. Marvin Volk, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to St. James Catholic Church of Millstadt, IL.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.