Ann Elizabeth Mathieu
August 10, 1930 — January 5, 2018
WINCHENDON - Ann (McGourty) Mathieu, affectionately known as “Nee”, peacefully entered her final journey on January 5th, 2018. She was the forever-devoted wife of Ralph Mathieu, who pre-deceased her in the year 2000.
Born in Worcester, MA on August 10, 1930. She was the daughter of Hubert McGourty and Mary Ann Ward, the sister of Mary Jane McCarthy (who predeceased her) and Carole Harmon, of Worcester, MA. Mother of eight, Grandmother of 14, and Great-Grandmother of 4, with one on the way. She leaves her children Carol, Marcel&Nell Nyffenegger of Marblehead, MA; Jo Ann Mathieu of Winchendon, MA; Lynn, Scott, Mathieu, Katie, Sloane Anne, Sadie Mae; Shane, Molly, Scotty &Vonde Saunders of NH & ME; Ralph (Mat), Kelly, Kalif, Fangfang, & Kyson Mathieu of Jacksonville, IL; Christine, Tom, Nicole Hopkins, Avery & Robbie Williams of N. Madison, CT; Elizabeth, Audra, Jamus& Evan Mathieu of Agoura Hills, CA; Tighe, Lorie, Kayla Mathieu & fiancé Tucker Friend, Megan & Zack Stone of Winchendon, MA; Tracy, Robert, Eric, Stephen,Lauren,Jackson &Mira Mae Huffman of Washington, DC; her endearing Godchildren; dozens of beloved nieces and nephews; and devoted caretakers Mary Ellen & Mike Mansfield family; Nancy Romanowski family; and Jeff Marinelli family.
Married and settled in Winchendon in 1952, Ralph ran the 2nd generation of Mathieu Ford Sales while she flourished as a mother and earned the name “Awesome Annie” in recognition of her numerous accomplishments. They traveled the world extensively, which inspired her to attain an instrument and commercial-rated Pilot’s license, which stimulated her creative mind as an artist, then growing her inner self by becoming a Yogi, teaching Yoga into her 80s. These experiences led tothe opportunity to open the boutique Arēta in Boston, and on Martha’s Vineyard, importing primitive arts and interiors from the far reaches of the globe. In the 1980’s, their love of the Southwest captured their hearts, so they built a home on a panoramic mesa in Lajitas, Texas, overlooking the Rio Grande and the Big Bend National Park.
She will be remembered for her kindness and sweet demeanor, her blessings on the forehead, and her love for life, dance, and family with all its great adventures. As we prepare to bid you adieu, we will remember you lived your life being Awesome. This blessing is for you, Mom.
Flowers will be lovingly accepted at the funeral home, or, donations to the Ralph Mathieu Family Murdock Scholarship Fund would be graciously appreciated at Colonial Co-op Bank, 1 School Square, Winchendon.
Calling hours are Friday January 12, 2018 from 4 to 7 PM in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 11 AM in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce St, Winchendon, MA 01475.