Ann Matthews
Oct. 9, 1935-Sept. 3, 2022
Portola Valley, California

Ann Matthews October 9, 1935 ----- September 3, 2022

Ann (Slonecker) Matthews, was born on October 9, 1935, in Gig Harbor, WA to Helen and William Slonecker. Her childhood was spent in Bremerton, WA, where Ann and her three brothers remember barrage balloons rising up from the elementary school yard. After two years of junior college in Bremerton, Ann graduated from San Jose State University in California with a teaching credential, returning home to Bremerton to teach kindergarten. It was while visiting a friend in the Naval Hospital that she met and eventually married John F. Matthews II on June 25, 1960, in the Bremerton Naval Chapel.

After a honeymoon in Japan, the newlyweds moved to College Terrace and Ann started teaching kindergarten at Ladera School, the beginning of a long career inspiring children to make art and play outdoors, culminating in 15 years at Trinity School at St. Bede's Episcopal Church where she retired in 2000 with a heartfelt send-off from generations of families touched by her warm and nurturing spirit.

John and Ann moved into their home on Aliso Way in Ladera in August of 1963 where they raised their two daughters, Mozy and Megan, and lived happily for 59 years. Two years spent living in Italy in the mid-70s forged lifelong friendships and a deep love for all things Italian for the whole family. In addition to being a beloved wife, mother, teacher, and artist, Ann was also a children’s book author and operated a silk screening business out of her home studio where she designed T-shirts, tote bags, and aprons for the LRD, local schools, sports teams, clubs, and businesses.

Ann valued family, friendship, art, and international culture above all else. Before social media, there was Ann Matthews. Everywhere she went, Ann collected friends. With a warm smile and a “Ciao Bella!” Ann’s ability to meet, discuss, and get involved was unparalleled. To have known her, was to love her. She will be missed by friends and relations across the globe. Ann is survived by her loving husband, John, daughters Megan and Mozy, son-in-law Jose, granddaughters Siena and Maya, brother Bill Slonecker and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Annie’s Life is being planned at the Ladera Community Church in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to the San Mateo County Libraries. To make a dedicated gift, please visit https://investinsmcl.org/donate/

Tags: arts/media, teacher/educator