MATTHEWS, ZITA

A funeral mass was offered March 2 at Our Lady of Grace Church, Hoboken, for Zita Matthews, 96, of Hoboken. She passed away Feb. 21 from complications due to a stroke in October 2018. Born in Alytus, Lithuania in 1922, Zita came to America in 1930 with her mother and stepfather, arriving in New York harbor and began to learn English. Zita was known for making a statement in style with her hats and jewelry, which likely was inspired by an early career as a show girl at the Copacabana, where she met performers like Dean Martin and Liberace before they were household names. She continued her love of art including painting as she worked at JP Morgan, and treasured time spent with family and friends. Compassionate in words and deeds, many knew her for her love of animals and her 20+ years of volunteering at the cardiac rehab at Hoboken University Hospital. Joining her two sons in the hearts of her family, Zita’s memory will be by her son, Steven Matthews, and her granddaughter, Jessica Matthews. Services arranged by the Lawton-Turso Funeral Home, Hoboken.