Carol Marie Mather

Born in Sheboygan, WI on September 24, 1922
Departed on November 12, 2008. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Memorial

Carol Marie Mather, 86, recently of The Meth-Wick Community, Cedar Rapids, IA and formerly of Sheboygan, Wisconsin broke free from the grip of a confining stroke and the limitations of her earthly body to join her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 12, 2008.

Carol was born September 24, 1922 in Sheboygan, WI, the younger of two children of George and Cora Colton Mueller. She graduated from Sheboygan’s North High School in 1940, worked as a receptionist for the Sheboygan Clinic, and then married Arthur B. Mather on April 12, 1941. With the exception of a brief period during WW2 and the time since Art’s passing, Carol lived her entire life as an active, engaged, and contributing citizen of Sheboygan. Carol was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church (Sheboygan) for some 60 years, and most recently a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids.

Carol was curious of mind, was a “lifelong learner”, and strongly encouraged those around her to pursue education and to develop their talents and interests. Her personal life offered a great example – she pursued her many and varied interests throughout all of her adult life. She had a passion for walking, sunsets, ice cream cones, remembering birthdays and anniversaries of family and friends. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed words, word games, and writing. She practiced yoga, loved to swim and water ski, ice skate, cross country ski. She had a very close relationship with fabric, thread, and yarn for many years, crafting countless pieces of clothing and accessories via sewing, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. She enjoyed art and artistic expression, and took classes in painting, drawing and calligraphy throughout the years but especially at the several Elder Hostels that she and Art attended together and during the three months they spent together in Arizona for a number of years. She particularly enjoyed learning and practicing the skills involved in replicating the eighteenth century Norwegian art form of rosemaling, which is a unique artistic style of acrylic floral painting.

Carol loved her family deeply and selflessly, and she expressed that love in both heartfelt and tangible ways. Her unique manner made everyone feel special. She sewed and knit clothing and accessories for her children, her children’s spouses, and then her grandchildren. Cards and gifts reflected her careful consideration of the recipient, and might include an original poem, a phrase documented in calligraphy, or a perfectly crafted handmade item. She contributed to the family business as receptionist, secretary, and bookkeeper for many years, while also being a full-time homemaker. She was actively involved in PTA while her children were in school; served her church in many capacities including United Methodist Women; was a Red Cross volunteer, and an active member of her Sheboygan PEO chapter and joined Cedar Rapids Chapter JT. As a Mother, Mother-in-law, Nana, Great Nana, and friend, her love and unceasing caring will be treasured always and forever missed.

Carol also enjoyed travel. There were frequent “Sunday drives”, picnics, a couple of very memorable extended family trips, and the annual family summer vacation/getaway to a small lake in the Eagle River area of Northern Wisconsin. In later years there were numerous elder hostels, and several winters spent enjoying the Arizona sunshine. She was always the key travel planner, clothing packer, meal planner and food preparer.

Carol is survived by two sons, David A. (Judith) Mather and John C. (Lois) Mather, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; one daughter, Mary Clare Mather and husband Philip J. Spensley of Northfield, MN; five grandchildren, Michelle R. (Ted) Thomas, Mark D. (Chris) Mather, Meredith A. (Robert) Drish, Samantha M. (Matt) Miller, and Andrea N. (Michael) Sinnott; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 PM at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church; there will be a brief visitation prior to the service. Visitation at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, November 14.

The family intends to use any memorial gifts to support education and the arts.