Victoria Gabriel Matthews
Victoria Gabriel Matthews, age 93, of Danbury, Connecticut passed suddenly to her eternal rest early Sunday morning, February 19, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Louis G. Matthews, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. She was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on February 27, 1929, the daughter of the late Sobhy (Sam) and Sarah (Bargoot) Gabriel. Victoria was the proud grandmother (Tata) of 14 grandchildren and greattata of four great-grandchildren, whom she loved very much.
The daughter of immigrant parents, Vickie grew up in a household that instilled the importance of family and faith. She worked in her parents' deli in Cambridge near Harvard Square while attending Cambridge High and Latin. Victoria often described what it was like growing up in Cambridge during the 1930s and 1940s World War II Era and how that experience enriched her life. She was an extraordinary writer, poet, and storyteller. When telling stories of her life, she painted pictures with her words, making you feel as if you were reliving those moments with her.
She graduated with a degree in English from Boston University, where she also attended law school for two years. While attending law school, Vickie and Lou had their first date at a Boston Red Sox game. After their courtship, Lou proposed to Vickie on the swing in front of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's home in Cambridge. Not long after they were married, they settled in Danbury and raised their family. Vickie and Lou were devoted and active members of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Danbury with the faith being a cornerstone in their home.
While raising their family, Vickie was a dynamic member of the community and a trailblazer. Among her many accomplishments, she was the first woman to serve on the Common Council for the City of Danbury; the president of the board of trustees of the Danbury Public Library Association; a member of the boards of directors of DATAHR during its formative years (now known as Ability Beyond), Visiting Nurse Association and Regional YMCA; and Executive Director of the Mid-Fairfield Council of Camp Fire Girls. When her husband Lou's vision became impaired, she and Lou were active in creating the Lions Low Vision Support Group.
Vickie is survived by four loving children and their families: George Matthews and his wife Theresa of Westwood, MA and their children George Matthews Jr. (Natasha), Sarah Tangerini (Charles, daughter Sophia) and Paul Matthews; Gregory Matthews and his wife Laurie of Avon by the Sea, NJ and their children Claire and Helen Matthews; Sandra Mackenzie and her husband John of North Salem, NY and their children J. Matt (Alyssa, children John Tyler and Ava), Andrew, Luke, and Mark Mackenzie; Louis Matthews Jr. and his wife Corinne of Milford, PA and their children James (Emily, and their son Basil), Hannah, Mary, Zachary, and Katie Matthews; sisterin-law Darlene Matthews of Bethel, CT and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her husband and parents, Vickie is predeceased by her brother James and his wife Helen Gabriel, brother Michael and his wife Anne Gabriel, father-in-law and motherin-law George and Bahee Matthews, brother-in-law Abraham and his wife Anna Matthews, and brother-inlaw Fred Matthews.
The essence of Vickie lives on in the hearts of those who knew the joy of entering her home and being welcomed and fed as family. In one of her poems, Whispering Willows, Vickie wrote: “Only as you sleep, do I dare tell
How much you have satisfied
That you have worn the seasons well
By giving yet not taking pride”.
Now, after having truly “worn her seasons well,” she has found her eternal sleep.
Vickie's family would like to express their deep appreciation for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Spring Village Assisted Living in Danbury. There are no words to convey the deep appreciation the family has for their cousin Lisa Gabriel, who visited her Aunt Vickie daily, showering her with love and helping to meet her daily needs. Lisa was the hands of her aunt's guardian angel.
The family will receive friends at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 125 Kohanza St. Friday, February 24, 2023, from 5 pm to 8 pm. The Trisagion Prayer Service will be offered on Friday evening at 7:00 pm.
The Rite of Burial will be conducted on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 125 Kohanza St., Danbury. Interment will follow in Wooster Cemetery in Danbury.
Donations in Vickie's memory may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 125 Kohanza St., Danbury, CT 06811 or St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
To leave a message of condolence for the Matthews family, please visit www. jowdykanefuneralhome.com