Edward E.R. Matthews

Mr. Edward E. R. Matthews, 64, our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend entered into the glory of his eternal life on Monday, August 19, 2019, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas with his loving family at his side.

Ed, as he was affectionately known to all, was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He entered the seminary and became an Oblate of Mary Immaculate which led him eventually to Brownsville, Texas. Ed served the Catholic community of Brownsville at both St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Ed was a man with a commanding presence. His strong resemblance to “Santa”, led him to volunteer for numerous years at the Ronald McDonald House in Harlingen, at Dr. Carmen Rocco’s Pediatric Clinic with her “special needs” patients, and at numerous elementary schools in the BISD.

Ed was a loving and caring husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and chaplain. Ed was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all those fortunate to have known him.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Elaine Marie and Lorraine “Laurie” Ross Matthews and his mother-in-law, Angelita De La Cruz.

Left behind to eternally treasure their memories of him is his loving and devoted wife of 19 years, Maria Graciela “Gracie” Matthews; the daughter that was the apple of his eye, Angelmarie Matthews; 3 brothers: Rex and Bruce Matthews and Robert Gauthier; 2 nephews, Donovan and Jason Matthews all from Canada. Ed will also be missed by his childhood friends, Mary Louise LaBerge and Dianne Gaffney, also from Canada, in addition to the numerous friends that he had here in Brownsville.

In accordance with Ed’s wishes, he will be cremated. A Memorial Mass Celebrating his Life will be held  at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019, at St. Eugene de Mazenod Catholic Church, 5409 Austin Rd., Brownsville, Texas 78521.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Ed’s name may be made to Sunshine Haven Hospice Facility, 7105 West Lakeside Blvd., Olmito, TX 78575. Ed spent many hours volunteering at Sunshine Haven and therefor it held a special place in his heart.