Marianne Rose Matthews

Marianne Rose (St. John) Matthews, age 83, passed away peacefully in Toledo, Ohio, on April 23, 2024, with her family by her side.

Marianne married Anthony “Tony'' Matthews, on August 13, 1960. They enjoyed over 59 years of marriage and were blessed with 13 children. After having their first five children, she supported her husband in many ways while he went back to school to fulfill his dream of becoming a veterinarian. Marianne, in fact, sold the oven she won as a prize for being a finalist in the National Pillsbury Bake-Off to help with the cost of school. She was a devoted homemaker and after all their children were born, she decided to further her education to become a teacher. Marianne obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s in educational technology from Bowling Green State University. She went on to teach elementary school in the Toledo Public School System for more than 25 years, writing many grants, one of which enabled East Toledo Junior High to have computers in every classroom.

Marianne was an inspiration to many, including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and her students. She was always in the background, doing for others, never wanting recognition or accolades for her charity. Her selfless service encompassed helping more than her own family; it included every person she crossed paths with. As a young woman she was a member of the American Red Cross, she was active in Right to Life, was a sponsor for several families from Vietnam and Laos, taught CCD for many years at Our Lady of Lourdes in Genoa and supported Little Sisters of the Poor. She was known for her homemade pies, Hungarian kolacky, chicken paprikash, Vietnamese egg rolls, and her ability to create a delicious meal out of seemingly nothing at a moment's notice.

In their retirement years, Marianne and Tony spent countless joyful hours together outside. She, tending her beautiful flower garden, especially her magnificent hibiscus and lilies, with her favorite being the Bela Lugosi, and he, caring for their vegetable garden and the many varieties of trees on their property.

Marianne is survived by her children, Joseph (Tami) Matthews, Rachael (Patrick) Vieth, Martha (Peter) Fellman, Sarah (Chris) Cripps, Rebecca (Arthur) Eli, Isaac (Julianne) Matthews, Anne (Keith) Heyman, Esther (Kenneth) Guthrie, Susanna (Jonathan) Gerlach, Aaron (Casandra) Matthews, John (Julia) Matthews, Paul (Dana) Matthews and Ruth Pettrey; brothers Douglas, Frank, Dennis, and Arthur St. John, Jr.; sisters Rebecca Moeller, Carol Aslam, Suzanne St. John, Debbie Drown, Michelle Logsdon, and Jeanie Ringenbach; sister-in-law Helen Michalek. Marianne was also blessed with 49 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by Anthony; infant daughter, Anna Mary; grandson, Samuel Schug; her parents, Arthur and Virginia St. John; and her sister, Diane.

A private funeral Mass and burial will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. Keith Stripe.

In lieu of flowers and at the request of Marianne, please consider doing something nice with your family.