Lynda J. Matthei, a resident of Pennington, New Jersey, died peacefully in her home on June 6, 2019 after several years of declining health.
Lynda was born Lynda Berniece Jordan in Hollis, New York in 1933 to Albertina Neaves and Reynold Leroy Jordan, younger sister to brothers Allan and Lee. A registered nurse, she earned her nursing degree from St.Luke’s Hospital in New York, NY and had broad experience, including tenure as an emergency room, orthopedic and pediatric nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. She met the love of her life and soulmate Harold (Harry) F. Matthei, of Bellerose, NY on a Windjammer cruise in Maine and they were married on August 19, 1956. They started their family in Westchester County, NY with the birth of their daughter, Gina Patricia in 1958. Their family expanded with their son Jordan Richard, born in Dayton, OH in 1959, and their daughter Gayle Jeannette, born in Mt. Kisco, NY in 1963. Lynda and her family made homes domestically and overseas in Bedford Village and Katonah, NY; Miami, FL; Tokyo, Japan; London, England; Atlanta, GA and Stamford, CT as Harry pursued his career as a renowned advertising creative director. Lynda relocated to Pennington, NJ when she retired, several years after Harry’s death in 1997.
Lynda had a diverse professional career that spanned nursing, executive recruiting, retail, adolescent substance abuse counseling and healthcare administration. Employers included Hall-Brooke Hospital in Westport, CT, and Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, CT. She was actively recruited as an administrator in charge of hospital Joint Commission certification well into her 60’s, before retiring to Pennington.
Lynda was a talented piano player and a sailing enthusiast who enjoyed cruising with her family in Long Island Sound and to favorite New England ports, including Newport, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. She enjoyed many tall ship adventures after retirement with her friends and extended family. Those who knew Lynda enjoyed her sharp wit, passion for women’s and reproductive rights, and her peerless talents as a cook and hostess, Lynda and Harry’s Thanksgiving celebrations overseas introduced the American holiday to countless friends and colleagues.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she is survived by her brother Alan Jordan of Nashua, NH and her three children — Gina Matthei-MacDonald of Herndon, VA, Jordan Matthei of East Norwalk, CT and Gayle Matthei of Pennington, NJ, as well as her six grandchildren — Christopher, Molly and Patrick Matthei, and Aleigh, Teddy and Harry Meredith. She was also a beloved aunt to five nieces and nephews. Lynda was an active member of Pennington Presbyterian Church and the Four Seasons community of Brandon Farms in Pennington, where she is survived by many close friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday July 13th 11:00 am at the Pennington Presbyterian Church, 13 South Main St., Pennington with the Rev. Nancy Mikoski pastor officiating. Arrangements are by the Wilson-Apple Funeral Home, 2560 Pennington Road, Pennington. Condolences are welcome at www.wilsonapple.com.
As a tribute to Lynda, the family suggests donations in lieu of flowers to the following organizations:
American Cancer Society www.cancer.org
Planned Parenthood www.plannedparenthood.org
Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org