It is with profound love and admiration that we pay tribute to the life of Marilyn Mathews. She was born in Vincennes, Indiana on February 13, 1933, and was a steadfast pillar of her family until her passing on December 29, 2023. Marilyn, was deeply loved and respected by all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her during her enduring journey.
She spent time working in the Pace Kitchen, a non-profit organization, where she touched countless lives with her selflessness and compassion. Outside of work, Marilyn was a woman of simple pleasures. She found joy in playing Bingo at the Moose, indulging in Chinese food, and the thrill of lotto tickets. However, her greatest joy was her family. Marilyn was the heart of family gatherings, always ready to welcome everyone with open arms and a warm smile. She cherished receiving pictures from her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Marilyn is survived by her son, Kenny Barekman (Julie), and daughter, Cindy Gardner, daughter in law, Connie Barekman, grandchildren, Chris Gardner (Libby), Heather Cummings (Kelly), Justin Gardner (Katrina), Jeremy Barekman (Lesley), Danielle West (Aaron), Paul Barekman (Jamie), and Renee Leydet (Mike), 14 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her by husband, Thomas Mathews, her parents, John Summers and Ruby Ingersol, her son Paul Barekman, and her siblings, John Jr, Charles Summers, Barbara Deckard, Betty Borden, and Judy Summers, and son in law, Brian “Pinky” Gardner. As we mourn the loss of Marilyn, we also celebrate her life and the love she bestowed upon us. Her legacy will continue to inspire all those who knew her.
A visitation will be held for Marilyn on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11:00am EST at Goodwin-Sievers – Vincennes Funeral Home located at 524 Broadway Street, Vincennes, Indiana, 47591. The funeral service will follow at the same venue at 1:00pm EST. Everyone whose lives were touched by Marilyn is warmly invited to attend and share their memories of her.
In honor of Marilyn, we encourage all who knew and loved her to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page. These shared recollections will serve as a comforting reminder of the beautiful soul that was Marilyn Mathews.
Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Marilyn.