Loraine A. Mathews

Loraine A. Mathews, 78, of Eau Claire, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Milestone Senior Living Facility. Loraine was born on August 12, 1938, in Eau Claire, WI, a daughter to Eddie and Anna (Hanson) Harms. She Met Vaughn on May 10 and married him that same year on September 5, 1959. They had a story book romance that played out the entire time of 57 years. Vaughn was her sweetheart and the love of her life. Their relationship was greatly appreciated and adored by their children. As a published poet, she wrote a book of poems and stories about pivotal moments in her life. She had this bound and copied for others to read. She raised her four children and developed a special relationship with each of them. She was a mentor and taught her children compassion, faith, love, integrity, friendship, humor, work ethic, and to always look out for the underdog. She was a dedicated Sunday school teacher for 23 years. She was a homemaker and a stay at home mom who later worked with her sweetheart as a book keeper and even climbing ladders to help hang rain gutters when an extra hand was needed. She also worked at Presto and for the Coca-Cola Company. Loraine had many hobbies including sewing, fishing, traveling, coin and rock collecting, and bowling. She loved cooking and was awarded the Betty Crocker Homemaker of the year award. She balanced her golden years between traveling with her sweetheart, metal detecting, looking for – and creating an incredible rock and gem collection she proudly shared with many. She loved babies and spending time with her grandchildren, taking the families on annual trips to waterparks, sometimes staying in hotels or sometimes camping, there was always a picnic and an adventure to reminisce about. She adored her great-grandchildren, visiting and interacting with them and learning their names. Loraine was a fighter. She survived breast cancer and osteoporosis, and fought Parkinson’s disease for 18 years. She did all of this with dignity, faith, humor, and the support of her family by her side. As the Parkinson’s progressed, she received support and care from her sweetheart and later by her daughter, Debbie, and others. Keeping her home was the best care for her, for 10 years. In June, she went to live at the Milestone Senior Living Facility in the Memory Care Unit. The staff and residents received her with open arms. Quickly seeing what a special soul she has, the staff treated her with the upmost respect, kindness, and care. Many patients took her under their wings and would keep an eye out for her. Loraine is survived by her husband, Vaughn; her children, Tammy (Dan) Sousek, Debbie (Terry) Eckwright, Katie (Mathews) Berg, and Julie (Mathews) Follensbee; grandchildren, Amy Mikolon, Steve Eckwright, Peggy Gibson, Courtney Sousek, Jeff Sousek, Elija Eckwright, Josie Eckwright, Robby Eckwright, Anna Berg, Molly Berg, Samantha Follensbee, Nick Follensbee, and Allie Follensbee; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jean Ruf, Roger (Judy) Harms, Darlene (Don) Tiegs, and Ruby Wibel; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Anna (Hanson) Harms; sisters, Rose Ulberg and Sharon Harms; brothers, Ronnie Harms and Gerald Harms. A Memorial Service will be at 11 am on Monday, February 13, 2017 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway St, Eau Claire, with Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the spring at Riverside Cemetery in Mondovi, WI.

Service Information

Visitation

Monday, February 13 2017
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

First Congregational United Church of Christ
310 Broadway Street
Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Monday, February 13 2017
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

First Congregational United Church of Christ
310 Broadway Street
Eau Claire WI 54703