Ann (DiStefano) Matheson

Ann E. Matheson (DiStefano) of Malden passed away on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the age of 82. Ann was born in Boston on February 24, 1942, the daughter of the late Louis and Mary Elizabeth DiStefano (Cameron). She was first married to the late John McGrath, and is the widow of the late John “Bucky” Matheson. Ann was the loving mother of three sons, the late John McGrath, the late Scott E. McGrath, and John P. Matheson, all of Malden. Ann had three brothers, the late Jerry DiStefano of Malden, the late Bob DiStefano of California, and Louis DiStefano of Texas.

Ann lived life to the fullest and loved to travel, especially to California. She was very fond of the ocean and believed in its ability to heal. Her home remedies and chicken soup never failed us. Ann was a strong and independent person by any measure. She was a hairdresser while maintaining a home and raising three children; and in her mid-life during the 1980s, returned for higher education and began a career in real estate. She lived independently in the Malden home she owned for 50 years until the end of her life. Along the way she generously took in friends, family and others who needed a place to stay. In her later years she became an animal lover and was a terrific mom to the pets who loved her dearly.

Ann is survived by her brother Louis DiStefano, her son John Matheson and his partner Ingrid, and her daughter-in-law, Cheryl McGrath. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brianna McGrath, Courtney McGrath, Nicole McGrath and Jameson McGrath, and her great-grandchildren, Colton and Alaina Squires. Ann also leaves many loving nieces, nephews and cousins, most especially her God-daughter-niece, Joanne DiStefano and great-niece Ann, who prayed with her until her last breath. Ann’s neighbors already miss her company on Bartlett Street, as do the local pets and birds. Ann certainly lived life her way. She overcame great obstacles, and she never lost her independence.

Services for Ann will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery, 302 Elm Street, Everett, at 11 a.m. followed by interment at the Woodlawn Cemetery.

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