Obituary of Elizabeth Mathews

Gertrude Elizabeth "Trudy" Morss Mathews, 82, of the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, at her home in Basking Ridge, in the arms of her daughter, Linda. She was born in Glendale, Calif., the daughter of Howard and Ethel Moore Morss. She grew up on the West Coast and was graduated from Puyallup High School in Puyallup, Wash. While attending nursing school, she met her husband, Richard "Dick" Mathews, and moved to his hometown of Lambertville. Mrs. Mathews was able to be a stay at home mom while her children grew up. She was involved with the Bernardsville Garden Club and with a group of friends called the Happy Hookers. She later went to secretarial school and worked for the producer of the show "Live From Lincoln Center," and in U.S. Rep. Millicent Fenwick's New Jersey office. Her last career was selling real estate for several companies in the Bernardsville area. Another course Mrs. Mathews took was in modeling. Her portfolio of work was quite varied. Along with the usual print ad work, she was in a commercial for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), a music video for the heavy metal band Scorpions, the movie "Man in the Moon" with Jim Carey, and a Kevin Smith movie. Most of all, she was a happy, fun, wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend. Among many things, she will be remembered for making her grandchildren eat ice cream and whipped cream for breakfast before they left for their homes in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Maine so she would not have to finish it. She is survived by her daughters, Jo Ann Higgins and her husband, Woody, and Linda Mitchell; her son, Rick Mathews and his wife, Sara; her grandchildren, Paul Higgins, Matthew Higgins, Lynna Higgins, Rob Mitchell, Seth Mitchell, Carly Mitchell, Sander Mathews, Emma White, and Katie Zehr; her great-grandson, Hunter Higgins; special extended family members Betsey Bloom, Rick Bloom, Doug Bloom, and Kris Bloom; and her longtime friend, Shirley Tengi. She was predeceased by her parents; siblings Mary Lou, Jim, and Tom; her son, Tad Mathews; and her former husband, Dick Mathews. There will be a memorial ceremony and interment, and at her request, a party to celebrate her life. Dates are yet to be determined. For further information contact Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home at 908-766-0250 or visit gcfuneralhome.com. The family asks that those who wish to remember Mrs. Mathews in a special way make gifts to organizations benefiting Alzheimer's research and the Special Olympics. The address for the Special Olympics is 1133 19th St., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20036.