Mary Lucile Mathis

Mary Lu Mathis, age 88, of Keene, New Hampshire, passed away in her sleep at Covenant Living of Keene on Thursday, October 31, 2024. 

Mary Lu was born in Cooperstown, New York on February 22, 1936. She was the daughter of Roger and Lois (Harding) Glazier. Mary Lu was raised in a Methodist household, and she moved around upstate New York as her father was a pastor of different congregations. She was a graduate of Sidney High School of Sidney, New York and then attended State University Teachers College of Potsdam, New York where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. 

As a young teacher in the late 1950s, Mary Lu moved to Poughkeepsie, New York where she met the love of her life, Charles Mathis. Charles saw and admired Mary Lu at a church gathering, and he later swept her off her feet at the local Howard Johnsons. Charles and Mary Lu were married in Binghamton, New York on July 8, 1961. They moved to several parts of the country for Charles’ jobs. During this time, Mary Lu became a loving and attentive mother of a daughter and son. Once they settled in Acton, Massachusetts, Mary Lu became a music teacher and worked for the Acton school system from 1980 to 1998. Her favorite part of her job was producing musical performances, and she was adored by her students. After retiring, Mary Lu was an active member of RATS-Retired Acton Teachers and a member of the United Congregational Church of Rindge where she sang in the choir. Mary Lu was a board member and volunteer at the Rindge Food Pantry, as well as a volunteer at the Cathedral of the Pines. She was a great big ball of sunshine and energy, who loved keeping busy.

Mary Lu treasured the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and loved to host family and friends. She had a special way of making everyone welcome, by keeping everyone full of love and great food. Her family will cherish the fond memories of spending time with her at the lake house in Rindge, NH. Mary Lu was a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan and games were often on the TV.

Mary Lu was always upbeat, even when her health issues worsened. She was resilient and strong through her final years and was always grateful for the help and care from her loving husband and caregiver, Charles.

Mary Lu survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Charles; her sister, Ruth Hunter; her daughter and son-in-law, Becky and David Solomon; her son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Deborah Mathis; her grandchildren, Becca Ouellette, Matthew Solomon, Noah Solomon, Anna Solomon; and great granddaughters, Ava and Lyla. Mary Lu is also survived by beloved nephews and nieces. Mary Lu was predeceased by her beloved brother, Bruce Glazier.

Services to celebrate Mary Lu’s life will be held at the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, NH, on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 p.m.