Obituary of Mary Jo Matthias

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Jo Matthias of Montrose, NY, announces her passing after a brief illness, on May 25, 2018, at the age of 83. Mary Jo was born January 8, 1935 in Cortland, NY to Harold D. and Harriet Crum Avery. On August 18, 1956 she married George F. Matthias at the Homer Ave. Methodist Church in Cortland, NY. They remained married for more than 50 years. Mary Jo received a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Cortland. Mary Jo became a teacher in the Hendrick Hudson School District, working at Blue Mountain Middle School for 21 years. She pioneered the "new team concept" for BMMS before its opening in 1969 and acted as president of the Hendrick Hudson Teachers Association. Mary Jo served on the Middle States Evaluating team that led to BMMS receiving the first Excellence in Education Award from Washington, DC. Mary Jo was a faithful member of the Trinity Boscobel United Methodist Church for over 50 years. At TBUMC, she served as Chairwoman of the Administrative Council, Secretary of the Trustees, and, for 35 years, Chancel Choir Director. Mary Jo was crew chief for the church outreach program at the Croton-Cortlandt food pantry and active in the Prayer Shawl Ministry. She will always be remembered for the delicious jams and jellies she so lovingly made each summer. She is predeceased by her husband George F. Matthias and is survived by her two children: Todd A. (Laurie) Matthias of Greenwich, CT and Tara Young of Beacon, NY; four sisters-in-law: Barbara Comnes, Louise Young, Helene Roberts and predeceased Laura Izworski and grandchildren: Alexandra Singer, Sara Matthias, Stephan Young, Morgana Young and Aaron Matthias. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 30 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at Trinity Boscobel United Methodist Church, 275 Church Street, Buchanan NY on Thursday, May 31 at 10 AM, followed by interment at Sunset Cemetery, Montrose, NY. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Trinity Boscobel United Methodist Church in memory of Mary Jo Matthias.