Lucille “Link” P. Mathewson March 18, 1932 - January 22, 2014
Link Mathewson truly lived. Her life was blessed and she blessed her friends, family and community with her generous loving spirit. She passed away in her home surrounded by those she loved and who loved her. Link was a woman of considerable talents and drive. Her passion for art and beauty and her love for family and friends were the major forces in her life. Her home—always open to those who knew her and to strays of both the feline and human varieties—was infused with the humble beauty, simple elegance and warmth that was uniquely Link. Not self-indulgent, she devoted herself to creating beauty to be shared: a carefully crafted table on Christmas Eve, a gorgeous hand-written note or a gourmet meal. She knew how to make a moment special.
Link’s love of athletics found expression in her diving, for which she competed in two Olympic trials and seven national championships. The youngest of five and the only girl, she left her Lithuanian neighborhood in Calumet City, Ill., at age 19 and moved to New York City. In the 1950s and ’60s, when flying was still glamorous, she was a TWA stewardess. Her love for another maverick, Chuck Mathewson, created three children whom she adored: Bob, Paulina and Curtis. Her passion for great food fueled a column, “Tidbits” in Coast Magazine, and a lifelong celebration of all things culinary.
Link was an expert calligrapher. No child or grandchild has ever received more beautiful, more meticulously created cards to mark their birthdays and holidays. She was refined and elegant; she was not vain and never put on airs. The depth of her friendships is a tribute to the energy she put into them. She was fiercely loyal, supportive and accepting. If you were lucky enough to know Link, then you know her unique ability to understand you—and to love you anyway.
Looking back on her life in her last days, Link said, “I never let a friend go.” We will never let her go, either. Every time we make a moment a little more special, every time we arrange our flowers or take a sip of champagne, we will remember Link. A celebration of her life takes place at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach on Monday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m.