On this page, you can hear recordings of the memorial services of some pasts friends of Saint Matthew’s.
Chuck Mather
You can find Chuck’s Memorial Service recording here.
Charles F. “Chuck” Mather, 89, of Acton died at the Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley in Littleton on Monday, October 7, 2019. He was predeceased by his wife Frances E. (Partridge) Mather, and was the beloved partner of Bonnie LaRocca for 43 years.
Born in Lynn on June 30, 1930 to the late Raymond W. and Ida (Bernstein) Mather, he was raised and educated in Lynn and is a graduate of Lynn Classical High School. He continued his studies at M.I.T. and then Boston University where he earned his degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
A resident of Acton for 36 years coming from Boxborough, where he lived for 5 years, and Wilmington, where he lived from 1959 to 1976. Chuck was a lover of all animals, especially his dogs. He enjoyed singing and was a member of the St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church choir. Twenty years ago Chuck was instrumental in overseeing the construction of the Sanctuary at St. Matthew’s where he was also the Chairman of the Trustees.
Mr. Mather was active and kept busy with his passion for swimming as well as for aerobics at the Senior Center. He also loved spending time at the family cottage at Lake Winnipesauke. He was a member of Mount Carmel Masonic Lodge in Marblehead for 63 years. He was also a participant in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPPOS) for many years.
He is survived by his longtime partner, Bonnie LaRocca; 5 children, Dana Mather and wife Victoria of Florida, Janet York and husband Ray of Haverhill, Dale Mather and wife Julie of Kansas, David Mather of Marlboro, Darin Mather and wife Lori of New Hampshire; 2 stepsons, Paul LaRocca and wife Karen of Florida, Steven LaRocca of Acton; 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to give a special thanks for all the care and support Chuck received from the staffs at Concord Park Assisted Living, Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley and Care Dimensions.
Susan Myszewski
You can find Susan’s Memorial Service recording here.
Susan Myszewski of Nashua, New Hampshire, native to Lake Placid, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, at Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire.
Susan Nan Lawrence, the second child of Harriet Hall Lawrence and Howard John Lawrence of John Brown Road, was born Aug. 2, 1942, in Lake Placid, New York.
Susan was an active member of Saint Matthew’s UMC in Acton, MA for many years, serving in many capacities as well as singing in the chancel choir.
She is survived by her husband Mathew.
Sue Weber
You can find Sue’s Memorial Service recording here.
HARVARD: Susan C. (Frayer) Weber, 66, a resident of Harvard, MA, died unexpectedly Saturday, June 29, 2019. She is survived by her loving family: her husband of 27 years Mark L. Weber, their son Andrei and daughter Carley; a brother Richard Frayer and his wife Valerie of Virginia; a sister Cheryl (Cherie) Montville and her husband James (Jim) of Michigan; and many friends and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents, Rev. William (Bill) and Shirley Frayer, and a sister Elizabeth (Beth) Frayer.
Born in Detroit, Sue moved throughout Michigan with her family every 5 years or so as her father, a Methodist pastor, followed his ministry to different churches, where she and her siblings sang in the church choir. Sue’s faith was a constant source of guidance and strength throughout her life. Her career started right out of high school as an executive assistant at Detroit Edison Co. (DTE Energy) and spanned 30 years before she retired to focus on her family. She held a deep reverence for the earth and nature and was concerned with environmental issues, preservation of natural resources and supported organizations whose mission is to care for the environment. She especially loved flowers and her numerous flower gardens and looked forward to discovering new blooms each morning. Although she didn’t have the opportunity for pets as a youngster, she grew to love her family’s dog, “Darlin” who accompanied her on daily walks, and cat “Max” who comforted her on days when she wasn’t feeling her best. A pianist, Sue enjoyed playing hymns at home she had learned as a child. Sue also adored her “occasional” chocolate! She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Beth Bennett
You can find Beth’s Memorial Service recording here.
Elizabeth M. (Frank) Bennett, age 62, of Acton died Monday, July 31st, 2017 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She is the beloved wife and survived by her husband of 37 years, John Bennett of Acton, MA, her son Michael (also of Acton), and her daughter Katherine of Wallkill, NY. She is survived by her sister, Kathy Robinson of Pittsburgh, PA and her brother, Ken Frank of Ayer, MA and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles around the country.
The daughter of Emma Frank and the late Arthur C. Frank, she was born in Cleveland Ohio and raised and living in multiple states throughout her life until moving to Acton in 1972. Graduating from Hood College in Frederick, MD with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, she was engaged in biological research for nearly 20 years, resulting in the development of monoclonal antibodies in use around the world today to cure a wide-spread tropical disease.
An energetic, vibrant, passionate and active woman, she loved to sing, singing as a soprano with the Sounds of Stow and the St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church choir for many years. She loved her cats, breeding and showing Maine Coon cats. She loved jigsaw and word puzzles, flowers, and gardening, outdoor walks, reading and travel while hating the cold and losing at board games. She loved her church, her church family and especially her own family. Beth touched so many, in so many different roles, and was loved by all.
The family would especially like to thank the doctors, staff and especially the nurses at Mass General Hospital, especially those on Lunder 10 and the Blake Building Intensive Care Unit. They did more than care for her as a patient, they cared for her as a person. We are so grateful for their service.
Jane Emmons
You can find Jane’s Memorial Service recording here.
Jane Marie (Ewan) Emmons, of Acton, MA passed on May 4, 2017, following a recent diagnosis of bladder cancer. Beloved wife, of almost 45 years, to George H. Emmons of Acton, MA. Daughter of Robert and Mary Ewan, mother to Steven Emmons of Albuquerque NM and Teresa Emmons of Arlington VA, devoted sister to Joe (and Pam) Ewan of Colville, WA, Judy Hacker of Springboro, OH, Jim (and Karen) Ewan of Locust Hill, VA, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A former high school English teacher of 8 years, Jane left teaching to become a devoted mother, and later changed to a 25-year career as a travel agent. She spent her time devoted to God and leading Bible courses in her Church, traveling the world, reading, knitting, cooking and working to improve the world we share. She loved and worked for peace, human justice, global awareness, understanding. Jane will long be held dear by many loyal friends, family, and colleagues.