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Elaine Cabot Matthews, who devoted her life to her family and followed them around the world, died peacefully on January 14 th, just short of her 94 th birthday, in Charlotte, NC.
Elaine was born on January 18, 1931, in Grosse Point, Michigan, the younger daughter of Harold and Norma Cabot. She graduated from Michigan State University in 1953 with a BA in teaching, then taught for 13 years at Beacon Elementary in Harper Woods, Michigan. During that time, she met Thomas Randolph Matthews, Jr. of Lawrenceville, VA, an executive with DuPont de Nemours, Inc, then working in Detroit. They married in 1965.
Elaine and Tom began their life together in Grosse Point, MI, where Norma Elizabeth Bower ne Matthews was born in 1966, precipitating Elaine’s retirement from teaching. In 1968 DuPont transferred Tom to Media, PA where their son William Cabot Matthews was born in 1969. In 1978, the family moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where they lived for six years.
Elaine adapted seamlessly to life as a corporate wife, supporting Tom as he advanced in the company. She didn’t mind moving for Tom’s work; she was a curious and enthusiastic traveler who made friends easily. She was an avid tennis player and was skilled at bridge. Elaine was known for hosting epic parties, gathering people from all corners of the world and making them feel like family.
Tom retired from DuPont in 1984, after a career of 37 years, and the couple settled in South Boston, VA. They were deeply involved with the local community, especially the Episcopal Church, but continued to travel around the globe to visit family and friends and explore new cultures.
In 2015, shortly after they relocated to Charlotte to be closer to Bill, Elaine lost her beloved husband Tom, after 51 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her parents and her older sister, Ardis.
Elaine leaves her children Norma & Bill; Norma’s husband Mike & children Grace & Eric; and Bill’s wife Andrea. She is also survived by the children from Tom’s first marriage, Tom, Bob, Ellen, and Jim.
There will be a memorial service in Charlotte hosted by her family, and she will be interred beside her husband in VA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to www.macular.org,the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Matthews family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Uncle Ken says
Dear Norma,
I have very fond memories of your mum when I visited for your wedding. We sat in the room with the furniture and artifacts from South America and talked for ages.
I didn’t realize that her birthday was the same day as my sister Ruth.
Gone but never forgotten.
Thomas R Matthews III says
Dear Norma and Bill,
Elaine was part of my life for nearly 60 years! She was a loving partner to our father and set a good example for her children, of commitment, adventurousness and generosity. She embraced our family with all her heart. She made friends wherever she went, and will be greatly missed by all of them. Sara and I send our love and condolences.
Tom
Love,
Tom Matthews III
Ramona Edwards says
Dear Norma and Bill
As you know, Elaine (Mom) was very dear to my heart. It was a blessing to me to have her in my life. And then I got a bonus sister and brother. Family is so important. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of yours. She will never be forgotten.