June 5, 1935 - September 19, 2023
Obituary
Monica Eileen Matheson (Mips, Mipsey, Monix, Sister Mattie) was born on June 5, 1936, in St. James, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, the only child of Eileen Davis (née Carmichael) and Rubert (Bertie) Alleyne. Beryl Carmichael (Auddie), her grandmother, doted on her and gave her strong direction, love, and instruction that helped shape her character and her faith.
Monica had the privilege of being the eldest sibling in two families and was loved and cherished by all of them. As a child Monica made many friends at Ideal High School where she enjoyed playing Rounders, Netball and Moral. She learned many skills including playing piano and singing. She was known to ride her bicycle around Port-of-Spain as she visited with friends and family.
She met the love of her life, Lloyd Matheson (an accomplished pianist, organist and musician) at the Woodbrook SDA Church in Port-of-Spain. After their courtship, they married in June 1961. Their first two children, Richard and Jem, were born in 1962 and 1963, respectively. In 1967 the family emigrated to Brooklyn, New York and began attending the Hanson Place Church. After attending for a short time, they transferred to the Flatbush SDA Church in 1972 and maintained membership there until retiring to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1991. In Florida, Monica formed new friendships and developed her creative and organizational skills as the Womens’ Ministry Leader at the All Nations SDA Church, where she attended from 1991 to 2014.
In 2013 she began desiring to be closer to her children and grandchildren and in 2014 moved to Maryland. She lived with her daughter Jem, then with her son, Mark, and then moved to her own apartment, where she lived for several years. During this time, she became a member of the Pisgah SDA Church and formed many strong relationships that she maintained even after moving back to live with her daughter.
Monica had an easy smile and was full of laughter. She was always able to laugh at herself and find the humor in a situation. She was loving, caring, kind and thoughtful. Her smile even captivated the medical teams that cared for her. Monica was an excellent organizer and was known for being able to motivate and inspire others to participate and catch her vision for projects. She was a world traveler, enjoying trips to Europe, Africa, Canada, and many Caribbean islands.
In 2019 her health began declining, culminating in much pain and suffering, and multiple hospital stays. Through it all, she maintained her hope and faith in the Lord. She peacefully took her last breath on September 19, surrounded by her family.
Monica is survived by her husband, Lloyd Matheson; her children, Richard Matheson and his wife, Celeste; Joanne (Jem) Anthony and her husband, Jonathan; Mark Matheson and his wife, Andrea; Dale Matheson and his wife, Leuanna. Her grandchildren: Monique Lassiter (née Matheson), Ryan Matheson, Khalil Anthony, Tasja Gray, Gionnie Gray, Kendall Anthony, Daryen Matheson, Larron Matheson, Ayanna Matheson, Mylah Matheson, Nalayne Matheson, and Daniel Matheson. Her great-grandchildren: Mya, Bailey and Madison Lassiter, and Westen Price. Her siblings: Myrna Pringle, Annette Dawson, Roger Davis, Barbara Bennett, Marva Davis, Margaret Alleyne, Karen Davis-Lawson, Everad Reyes husband of the late Beverly Reyes, Monica’s sister; and Linda Davis, wife of the late Kenwyn Davis, Monica’s brother; and all her nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Monica’s name to:
Gilchrist Center Howard County – Inpatient Unit
11311 McCormick Road Ste. 350
Hunt Valley, MD 21031
You can also give in her name using this link: https://gilchristcares.org/gardenwall-howard-donate/
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