Obituary: Matthews, Margaret “Peggie”
Mom was born on March 14, 1913 in Valley City, ND.
Mom had three siblings: a sister, Laura; brother, Clare and a twin sister, Ruth.
Her father was a Congregational minister and her mother taught school.
When Mom was four, the family moved to Gary, Indiana.
Mom went to grade school and high school in Gary.
She loved to play sports especially basketball and tennis.
Mom and Ruth, being identical twins, loved to switch identities and confuse teachers and friends.
After high school, Mom went to business school at Stevens College where she played on the field hockey and basketball teams.
Her love of sports continued throughout her lifetime.
Mom loved playing tennis with her daughters, shooting hoops with her grandchildren and bowling into her 90’s.
In her later years, she became an avid and loyal fan of Gonzaga basketball.
When Mom was 23 she moved to Spokane to help her brother, Clare set up his Pediatric office in the Paulson Building.
Dr Lyon remained in this office for 50 years caring for children.
Soon after moving to Spokane, Mom met a young engineer named Bill.
They were married on February 14, 1939.
They had five children: Ruth, Maggie, Margie, Bill and Jane.
She was a devoted mother who loved her family and showed it in many ways.
She taught us all the meaning of love, of generosity and of kindness to others.
She was a mom and a friend who always put others ahead of herself.
Along with raising five children, she was active in her church and served whenever and wherever needed.
Mom and Dad took us to church every Sunday and encouraged us to be involved in Sunday school, youth group and Christian summer camp.
When our brother, Bill was 16 he was murdered.
To lose their only son was an unimaginable tragedy but with God’s help they were able to find peace and forgiveness.
When the daughters started college, Mom went back to work for her brother in his Pediatric office to help pay college expenses.
She continued working for him until he retired at the age of 80.
Mom loved her growing family and was excited with every new life.
She remained devoted to her family and friends and continued serving others.
She was very proud of being 99 and loved asking others to guess her age.
Mom is survived by 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Please come and help us celebrate Mom on Saturday, February 9th at 3pm in the Fireside room at Fourth Memorial Church.
The church is located at 2000 N. Standard in Spokane.