Christina 'Mom'

Matthews, 97

TRIANGLE, Va. - Christina "Mom" Matthews, of Triangle, went to the Lord on Thursday, April 17, 2008, in Onslow Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville, N.C., while surrounded by her loving family. She was 97.

She was born on March 5, 1911, in New York City, N.Y., to the late Blanch and Felix Obzut.

Christina, born of immigrant parents and having only a high school education, endured two world wars and this country's Great Depression.

She was one of the last of a truly great generation, whose work ethic, patriotism, love of family, and strong Christian faith so greatly influenced and guided the lives of her offspring.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Matthews; sister, Anna Peck; brother, John Obzut; and a grandson, Brian Watkins.

"Mom" Matthews is survived by her children, Ron and Terry Matthews of Stella, N.C., and Mary Ann and George "Skip" Watkins of Triangle; a sister, Toni MacLean; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Feisty as a bantam rooster but precious as a jewel, she will be greatly missed by her adoring family and countless friends whose lives she so lovingly touched. Goodbye, sweet lady, and rest joyfully and peacefully now in God's loving arms.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Jude the Apostle Church, Lewes, Del., with the Rev. Mark J. Connelly presiding.

A private burial will be held following the service.

Arrangements by Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville, N.C.