Harriet Mathews

Harriet M. Mathews, 92, of Chippewa Falls, formerly of Mount Horeb, died Monday, December 5, 2011 at Chippewa Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation in Chippewa Falls.

She was born June 22, 1919 in Marshall County, Indiana to Blanch (Tiffany) and John Lindoo. She grew up in Ladysmith and graduated from Ladysmith High School. Harriet continued her education at the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work.

She married James W. Mathews on January 31, 1953 in Ladysmith. They built their home in Mt. Horeb in 1966 and enjoyed their many years in the community before moving to Chippewa Falls in 2006.Harriet's career in social services included: Case Worker for the Rusk County Welfare Department, Child Welfare Worker for the State of Wisconsin; Intake Worker for Catholic Social Services in Madison; and Social Worker at Ingleside Nursing Home in Mount Horeb, retiring in 1976.

Harriet was a knowledgeable and accomplished gardener and, with her husband, created beautiful gardens around their home. She was an active member and past president of the Mound Vue Garden Club and one of her favorite events was the annual plant sale which she helped found. She was also a member of the Olbrich Botanical Society and served on its board of directors.

Harriet was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Mt. Horeb.

She and Jim loved to travel. They explored the U.S. and many regions of the world, tasting the foods, watching the wildlife, and meeting the people.

Survivors include: two brothers, Roger Lindoo of Chippewa Falls, Max (Marie) Lindoo of Eau Claire; nieces, Meral (Ozel) Ergen and family, Jeanne (Robert) Wright and family, Peggy Lindoo, Susan (Mike Wolesky) Lindoo; and a nephew, Mark Lindoo.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband Jim, on December 25, 2007; and her brother, James Lindoo.

A private memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, December 9 at the Chapel of the Resurrection at the Chippewa Manor with Deacon Mark Arnold of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Jim Falls, officiating. Spring interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Ladysmith.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff of the Chippewa Manor for their wonderful care and kindness shown to Harriet over the last five years.

Contributions in Harriet's memory may be directed to the Mound Vue Garden Club or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.