BURIEN, WA – Veronica “Ronnie” (Whelan) Matthews, age 81, died on Thursday, January 18th, 2024 in the company of her daughter and son-in-law. Born in Jersey City, 
New Jersey, she was the second child of Joseph and Helen (Rogowski) Whelan. She moved to Westfield, Massachusetts, at age one and spent the majority of her life there. Ronnie graduated from Holy Trinity Elementary School and Saint Mary’s High School. A very caring and giving person by nature, Ronnie chose a career in nursing. She graduated with an RN from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Hartford, Connecticut, and then worked at Western Massachusetts Hospital for most of her career. An active communicant of Holy Trinity Church, she served for many years as a member of the Rosary Society. Post-retirement, she volunteered at Storrowton Village, Stanley Park, and Franklin Avenue Elementary School. Ronnie was also a Westfield Women’s Club member, where she especially enjoyed their cooking classes and lectures. In 2015, she moved to Burien, WA, to live near her daughter. She continued her volunteer work there at St. Francis of Assisi School and was active in that parish.
Ronnie was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Gerald “Jerry” Matthews. She leaves behind her three children: Maura-Ann Matthews and her husband Christopher Galbraith of Burien, WA; James Matthews and his wife Pamela of Justin, TX; and Timothy Matthews and his wife Bridget of Westfield, MA. Ronnie is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Finnian and Aidan Galbraith; Megan, Wyatt, and Brenna Matthews; and Fionnuala, Niamh, Declan, and Deirdre Matthews. She leaves behind her sister, Michaleen (Whelan) Barcomb of Athol, as well as her nephew Martin Barcomb and her nieces Mary Barcomb, Elizabeth Matthews, and Lisa Matthews. Ronnie was also blessed to have many extended relatives on her Rogowski side.
Calling hours are Sunday, February 4th, from 1-3 p.m. at Firtion Adams. Friends and family will gather for the funeral at Holy Trinity Parish in Westfield at 10:00 on February 5th. Firtion Adams is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to Holy Trinity Parish or the St. Mary’s High School Advancement Program, Westfield, MA.
