Pictured is a favorite photo shared by Karen Mathewson, sister of Nicole Mathewson, a 32-year old former Owego, N.Y. resident who passed away on Dec. 15, 2014 in Lancaster, Pa. (Provided photo)
The opening paragraph of Nicole Mathewson’s obituary is especially poignant, including the words, “A smile that lit up a room and a laugh that was contagious. A heart that was so big, and a passion for human kind that was felt any time anyone stepped into her classroom, her home, and her life.” People who knew Nicole will recognize her within the special words, and for those who had never had the privilege to meet her, you’re left wishing you could have.
Family, friends and the community are dealing with the shock of the sudden death of former Owego resident, Nicole Mathewson, age 32, who lost her life on Dec. 15, 2014 in Lancaster, Pa.
Mathewson, a 2000 graduate of Owego Free Academy, had built a life in the Lancaster area, purchased a home in 2012, and earned a master’s degree in education from Eastern Mennonite University in 2013. Mathewson was a sixth grade teacher at Brownstown Elementary School in Lancaster.
Nicole Mathewson has undoubtedly touched many lives. Two of her family members, father Mark and sister, Karen, shared that they are learning more every day just how far Nicole’s circle of friendships and acquaintances reached. They both attended a candlelight vigil held in Lancaster on Friday, Dec. 19 in memory of Nicole, and immediately felt welcomed by the community there. A remembrance service is planned in Lancaster on Saturday, Jan. 3.
Karen explained that her sister, Nicole, was the type of person who, when she met someone new, wanted to know all about them. “She was also like an adopted aunt to many children,” Karen said. The Mathewson’s and others shared that they feel incredible sadness for Nicole’s students in Lancaster as well.
Nancy Papastrat, who has known the Mathewson family for about 40 years, shared, “Children grow, spread their wings, and we tend to lose touch, but I’ll always remember the fun-loving, spunky red-headed girl.” Stephanie Hall-Crist is grateful to have been able to keep in contact with Nicole on Facebook, and remembers fond memories playing Owego Little League softball with her. Jaime Vinson Chappell, now living in South Carolina, shared, “Nicole was the friendliest person you could ever meet.”
“The comfort and support is amazing,” said Karen Mathewson, referring to the outpouring of support from Lancaster and Owego, and people who have since moved out of the area.
Naomi Lynn Allen, one of several school friends who helped organize a candlelight vigil at Owego Free Academy on Sunday, Dec. 21, shared, “Nicole has left an ever lasting impression on everyone and the vigil was a way to grieve and express feelings, and also pay it forward as she would have done.”
Allen estimates that over 150 people attended the candlelight vigil, where dozens of paper lanterns were set off into the night sky in memory of Nicole. School friend Alisa Mae Carpenter shared that participants at the vigil sang songs in Nicole’s honor. Allen wishes to extend thanks to the Ithaca, N.Y. Walmart and Subway, the Owego Dunkin’ Donuts and Mario’s Pizza in Owego for donating food and supplies for the candlelight vigil. Carpenter thanks the Hand of Man and Owego Early Antiques for their donations that will be used toward purchasing new books in memory of Nicole.
A celebration of Nicole’s life was planned on Saturday, Dec. 27 at the Owego United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a memorial service at 3 p.m, officiated by Pastor Jon Austin and Pastor John Martin.
John Martin, an Owego native who is now a Pastor in Lake Placid, N.Y., co-officiated the service in Owego, in honor of his friend, Nicole. Martin had known Nicole since middle school and described her as a very faithful person, who brought much joy to whomever she was around. Martin believes Nicole would have said, “I’ll always be with you, but we will be reunited again,” affirming her faith that death is not the end.
Nicole’s father, Mark Mathewson, shared that his daughter’s faith was an important part of her daily life, and she often helped others who had encountered troubling times. Mark Mathewson wants to ensure that his daughter’s life is remembered and celebrated in a positive way, instead of people recalling how she died.
Many people have shared that they feel the tragedy makes no sense and hurts beyond words. Both Karen and Mark Mathewson said that the Lancaster, Pa. police department has been very supportive and keeps the family up-to-date with information, and is focused on ensuring that justice is served. As of this writing, two individuals have been arrested and charged with multiple criminal charges.
In memory of Nicole R. Mathewson, a “Go Fund Me” account has been established at www.gofundme.com/iy7ga8e. Donations support various expenses by Nicole’s family as well as gives back to the school by supplying books for students in memory of Nicole.
In addition, a scholarship fund has been started at www.booster.com, search for Nicole Mathewson. Funds raised will go to the Conestoga Valley School District where Mathewson worked. Memorial contributions, in memory of Nicole, can also be directed to the Lounsberry United Methodist Church, c/o Maryann Cronk, Treasure, P.O. Box 318, Nichols, N.Y. 13812.
Nicole Mathewson is survived by her mother Tina (Rector) Mathewson, Vestal; father Mark Mathewson, Owego; sister, Karen Mathewson and Joe Signs, Owego; her companion Cory Meek; aunts and uncles David Mathewson, Buffalo; Marianne Bailey, Owego; Kathleen Musso, Binghamton; Cindy (Tony) Moro, Nichols; Timothy (Maureen) Mathewson, Nichols; and several cousins. She was pre-deceased by her paternal grandparents Nancy and Norman Mathewson and maternal grandmother Lillian Rector.
