Obituary of Ann W. Matthews

Ann Sophia Williamson Matthews, of Schenectady, passed away on April 14th at Ellis Hospital with her family at her side. Mrs. Matthews was 91 years old. She and her husband, Phil, who passed away earlier this year, were truly part of "the greatest generation". Ann was born on March 30, 1921, in Albion, PA, to John Duncan and Ellen Savstrom Williamson and was named for her mother's sister Annie as well as her father's sister Annie. As a very young child, she moved with her family to Fairview, PA, where her father and mother managed an 85 acre farm which was part of the B'nai B'rith (District 3) Home for Children. Growing up on a farm that supplied butter, milk, fruit and produce for the orphanage, Ann developed a love of the outdoors and a special interest in helping people in need. With her older sister and younger brother, she helped with farm chores. She always counted herself fortunate to know the "home kids" well and, during the Depression, it was a treat to be invited to enjoy the movies, the swimming pool and the parties and picnics that were available at the Home. She excelled in school sports and in her schoolwork and graduated from Fairview High School in 1937. She attended Slippery Rock State Teachers College in Slippery Rock, PA, graduating in 1942, licensed to teach both Chemistry and Physical Education. She listened to President Roosevelt's address to the nation the day following the attack on Pearl Harbor in her dorm and knew that her future would be changed by the declaration of World War II. Instead of teaching after graduation, she joined the war effort. She began working as a chemist at Keystone Ordnance Works, a massive TNT factory in Meadville, PA. In 1944, Ann was hired by Tennessee Eastman to work in Oak Ridge, TN as an assay chemist for the Manhattan Project. It was in Oak Ridge that she met her future husband, Philip R. Matthews, an Army chemist assigned to the Manhattan Project. She remained in Oak Ridge until her marriage to Phil in 1946. Ann and Phil then spent a year in Berkeley, CA, while Phil finished his degree and they moved to Schenectady in 1947. During the many years she lived in Schenectady, raising her daughters, Ann was a committed volunteer, and assumed leadership positions in many charitable organizations in the area. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She served on the board of the Schenectady YWCA, the Children's Home, the Schenectady Girls Club and the Mohawk Pathways Girl Scout Council. Ann was also active in Schenectady PTA organizations and served as an officer of the School Board Nominating Committee. She was a very active member of Union Presbyterian Church and chaired the church's Bargain Sale for several years. In addition, she was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood for over 50 years and belonged to Queen's Fort. Ann was a serious bird watcher, an interest she developed while leading Girl Scout camping trips. She loved to garden and harvested her own vegetables. As an adult, she acquired extensive knowledge of American antiques and, while living in San Jose, CA, with her husband, she joined an antiques business. No matter where in the United States she was living, summers at Sacandaga Reservoir with her family and many friends were always a highlight of her year, as was her annual visit to the Capitol District Scottish Games in Altamont. Ann was a devoted friend to many and trusted confidante. With her abundant love and patience, she was the anchor of the home and life she created for her family. Ann is survived by her three daughters, Christina Campriello and her husband Austin V. Campriello of Pleasantville, NY, Barbara Matthews of Schenectady, and Dr. Jane Matthews of Newton MA. Eight grand children also survive her: Austin M. Campriello, Lucia W. Campriello and her husband Joseph Giallanella, and Susan C. Campriello, Alyson E. Pritchette and her husband, R. Troy Pritchette, Christopher S. Pazro and Andrew J. Pazro and his wife Nicole Pazro, Anna C. Strewler and Elizabeth P. Strewler. Three great- grandchildren, Mackenzie Pritchette, Hanna Pazro and Jameson John Pazro also survive her. She is also survived by her sister in law, Kay Williamson of Erie, PA, five nieces and a nephew. She was predeceased by her husband, Philip R. Matthews, her sister Kay Williamson Brown and her brother John August Williamson. A memorial service for Mrs. Matthews will be held Monday, August 13, 2012 at 10 AM at Union Presbyterian Church with Rev. Ruth Kuo officiating. Entombment will be at 2 PM following the service at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. Contributions in Mrs. Matthews' memory may be made to Union Presbyterian Church, 1068 Park Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12308.