On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, Janet Matthews (née Smith) passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born to Kenneth Hyland and Lucille Smith on November 25, 1947 in Belmont, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Janet received her formal education in Trinidad, but always showed an affinity for sewing and designing, which would become her passion and livelihood.

In 1965, she married her first love, Colin Matthews and together, they had three sons: Gary Colin, Roger Kenwin, and Asher John. After getting married, Janet worked as a much sought-after seamstress, designing elaborate wedding dresses and intricate Carnival costumes for those "playing mas" (dancing in the masquerade) at Trinidad’s annual Carnival. Janet also gave her time to community efforts, often working with local children. For these efforts, she was given an award by the Prime Minister of Trinidad.

Janet and her sons immigrated to the United States in 1989. She continued her work as a seamstress while taking on additional jobs to support her family. In doing so, she afforded her sons opportunities to succeed and imparted a solid work ethic in each of them. She also carved out time to honor her traditions and culture by faithfully traveling to her home in Trinidad every year for Carnival for as long as she was able. Doing so bought her great joy and kept her connected to her roots.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her sister, Marla. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her three sons, Gary, Roger and Asher, her daughter-in-law, Nicole, her grandson, Delano Ali Matthews, her brothers Kelvin, Keith and Kenny, her sisters Erma, Marilyn, Carol and Lynette, and her significant other and caretaker, Clyde Raymond and a host of extended family and friends.

Janet will be remembered for her smile, her kindness, her sage advice, and her generosity. There was never a time when anyone who visited left her home emptyhanded. She loved to laugh and celebrate life. It is those memories that the family hopes sustain everyone she touched as they reminisce on her life and carry her memory forward.

The family would like to thank friends, colleagues and neighbors who showed support to our beloved matriarch throughout her life and especially during her illness. The kindness you have shown through your words, thoughts, prayers, and deeds is truly appreciated. May God bless and keep you.

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