Linda G. Matthews

Linda G. Matthews, age 75,  loving mother of two and adoring wife to husband Norman M. Matthews, passed away in the early afternoon of December 24th, 2022.   Born on April 2, 1947 in Los Alamos, New Mexico to Twila ( McLaughlin ) and George R. Barnhart ( U.S. Army Ret. ), where her father was stationed.

She attended and graduated from Plum High School and later the Institute of Computer Management in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,  graduating with an Associates Degree in Applied Computer Programming.

She grew up loved and supported by a large extended family and more immediately, with siblings Carl (Barnhart),  Kathy(Dan) Friedeman, and Karen ( Jake Kosmach ) looking on their sister with reverence and admiration for her kind heart and tremendous inner strength.

Those having the pleasure to know Linda through the years, were always aware of her charm, contagious smile and youthful glow.

It was in Dayton, OH while working for the Air Force Defense Electronics Supply Center, she met the love of her life at the wedding of a mutual friend. Falling in love instantly,  Norman and Linda were married after a short courtship during the winter of 1968.  Proudly celebrating 54 years of marriage on December 14th, 2022, the two were steadfast in love, and shall remain “Sweethearts Forever”.

Eric, their first born son arrived during the summer of 1969 with Steven joining the family as a second summer child in 1976.  A move in 1971, called Lewiston home while the family continued on a path of hard work and growth in a wonderful community of friends and neighbors.

Linda took great pride in her career and in the mid 1980’s began working at the Niagara University Library, ultimately retiring from the Financial Aid Department after suffering a stroke in the Summer of 1989.  Those who knew Linda well, knew a determined and relentless spirit who, defying odds, was able to come back from certain deficit to enjoy a wonderful and plentiful 33 years with her family before her passing last month.

She will be missed by many as there are few whose life she did not enrich upon meeting.   Sisters in Law, Linda ( Ungaro ) and Christine Matthews, Nieces, Carly ( Karns ) and Amanda ( Lyndsay ) your two loving sons Eric & Steven, husband Norman, and numerous extended family and friends wish you peace and love along your walk with the Lord.

A celebration of life reception will take place on Saturday, April 1, 2023, after 3:00 PM at the Brickyard Brewing Company Banquet Facility in which all are encouraged to attend and share stories to honor and celebrate Linda.

The family requests any support or donations be made to Niagara Hospice House or the American Stroke Association and can be made at the following links: https://www.stroke.org, https://www.niagarahospice.org

Arrangements were made through the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, lewiston, NY.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda G. Matthews, please visit our floral store.