Obituaries
Obituary: Shelby Jean Matuszewski
Thoughtful by nature, she loved staying in touch by mail.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Shelby Jean Matuszewski
Shelby Jean Matuszewski, 89, of Morris, Illinois, and formerly of Coal City, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Timbers of Shorewood.
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Shelby was born in Morris on November 19, 1936, the daughter of the late Jacob and Kathryn (Bosonetta) Jacklich.
She attended North Side School in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1954.
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On October 24, 1954, she married Frederick John Matuszewski at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Coal City.
Shelby was a homemaker who enjoyed dancing, traveling, and especially cooking and cleaning. She took great pride in keeping an immaculate home. Thoughtful by nature, she loved staying in touch by mail, and her beautifully written, heartwarming letters were treasured by all who received them.
A lifelong member of Assumption Catholic Church, Shelby gave generously of her time and talents. She served on the funeral luncheon committee and, alongside her husband, Fred, in the Marriage Encounter ministry. After moving to Morris in their later years, the couple continued serving in these same roles at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Shelby is survived by her loving husband, Fred, with whom she would have celebrated 72 years of marriage the following day; her daughters, Lydia Matuszewski (William Vandermyde) and Lynnette (Scott) Ahaus; her grandsons, Jacob Cobian, Ian Ahaus, and Kyle Ahaus; and her sister-in-law, Janet Matuszewski.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Family and friends are invited to gather Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where graveside services will begin at 11 a.m. with Rev. Scott McCauley officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that, in Shelby's spirit, you write a meaningful letter to a loved one or an old friend.
For more information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit Shelby's Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
