C. Elizabeth (Betty) Matuszewski, age 98, passed away on August 26, 2024, in the comfort of her home where she lived for 67 years. Born to Polish immigrants, Joseph and Marianna (Piekarski) Palczewski, Betty was a life-long resident of Wilmington. After graduating from P.S. du Pont High School, she worked as a secretary at Hercules, until she married Henry J. (Hawk) Matuszewski and they started a family. They shared 41 years of marriage, until his death in 1991.
Betty’s life was defined by her faith and family. A member of both St. Stanislaus Kostka and St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Churches for much of her life, she ran the St. Stan’s clothes closet and was involved in both Churches’ Sodalities, outreach, scouting program, and social activities.
Betty was the consummate caregiver, providing exceptional care to loved ones as they aged, and during their illnesses. She relished her time babysitting her grandchildren, sharing family beach vacations, and celebrating holidays, continuing with Polish traditions.
Betty was an avid reader. She enjoyed visiting historical sites and was a member of the Captain Mlotkowski Memorial Brigade Society. A member of The Junior Board of St. Francis Hospital, Betty volunteered in its gift shop for many years. She had a soft spot for animals and those less fortunate.
In addition to her parents and spouse, Betty was pre-deceased by her brothers, Alfred and Edmund Palczewski. She is survived by her daughters, Karen M. Klele (grandpup Piper) with whom she lived, Nancy M. Hughto (Frank J. Hughto), and Mary Ann Matuszewski (Douglas B. Canfield); 5 grandchildren, Ashley E. Prickett (A.J.), Colleen M. Miller (Kyle), Bryant H. Hughto, Joseph H. Canfield (Amy), and Brian D. Canfield; and 5 great grandsons, Jackson, Maddox, Landon, Cayden, and Tyler.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 3, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Rd., Wilmington, DE, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Autism Delaware, 924 Old Harmony Rd., Suite 201, Newark, DE 19713 or www.autismdelaware.org
