Stella Violet Dyck Matthews

Stella Violet Dyck Matthews, 97, of Woodstock, IL passed away September 22. 2017 at Valley Hi Nursing Home. 

She was born in Bayonne, New Jersey on November 17, 1919, the oldest daughter of Roman and Catherine (Barlik) Chimleski.  She graduated from Sherman Business School on March 21, 1938, working as an executive secretary and stenographer at various companies in New Jersey.   She was in the Naval Reserves during WWII and trained as a Red Cross Aide.  She loved the outdoors, especially the ocean and spent many summers at the Jersey shore.  She also loved animals of all kinds and had many pets that she considered her companions over her lifetime.  She was seldom without a kitten or cat to cuddle.

During the course of her career she met a charming widower, Arnold “Wolff” Jan Dyck and married him on May 1, 1960, helping him raise his three young sons, Robert, Brian and Rodney Dyck.  They designed and built their dream home, an A-Frame along the Kishwaukee River in Union.  They were members of Sacred Heart Church in Marengo for many years.  Wolff predeceased her on July 7, 1974.  After his death she continued her career and was an executive secretary for Father Tierney at Marian Central High School until her retirement and then worked part time at Adult & Child Therapy Services until her final retirement in June of 1998.  She married Robert (Matt) Matthews, Sr. on August 20, 1977.

Stella is survived by her sister, Irene Neubauer of Ormond Beach Florida; two nephews, Andrew Neubauer, Thomas Neubauer; and a niece, Cathy Stein.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Edmund Chimleski Chandler, her first husband “Wolf” Dyck, her second husband Robert Matthews, Sr. and her step son Robert Matthews Jr.

Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Church Woodstock, IL from 9:00 am until the funeral mass at 10:30 am on Wednesday September 27, 2017.  Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Marengo, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Adult & Child Therapy Services, 708 Washington  Street, Woodstock, IL 60098.