Ann Matz

Ann Harper Matz 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 14, 2020 in Orlando, Florida surrounded by her family. On July 6, 1938 Ann was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the proud parents of Day & Evangeline Harper then eventually moved to Omaha, Nebraska. Ann was Episcopalian.

Ann attended Brownell Hall, private school in Omaha, established by an Episcopal Bishop in 1863. In 1952 the family moved to Jacksonville, Florida.Ann attended Dupont High School graduated in 1956. Her father, Day L. Harper, was district Manager for Graybar Electric. In 1956, Mr. Harper made decision to move the District office and family to Tampa, Florida. Ann attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. In 1956 Ann met John J. Matz in their freshmen year of college. Ann and John were an item throughout their college years. On June 4, 1960, five days after graduation, they married at First Methodist Church in Kissimmee, Florida.

It was the beginning of nearly 60 wonderful years together as husband and wife.

It was a harmonious, loving marriage. They were inseparable soulmates completely in tune with each other. Their family was priority.

Ann was a dedicated homemaker overseeing all activities needed for the day-to-day running of the household. She was an only child and took to motherhood beautifully.

Ann was an avid reader her entire life—a genuine bookworm. Reading and books were truly an integral and satisfying part of her life.  Ann was talented in needlework especially cross-stitch. Overall, her favorite cross-stitch subject matter were roosters, cats, and other animals. She patiently crafted numerous cross-stitch projects over the years. These beautiful framed projects adorn walls and rooms of Ann and John’s NC and FL homes. She loved turtles.

Over the years Ann acquired a sizeable number of turtle collectibles. She loved and adored animals. Her most cherished dog was a miniature poodle named Mister. He was a member of the family that subsequent dogs could never replace. Ann fell in love with cats. Her last four cats whom she loved and spoiled were Max, Riley, Cindy, and Mindy. Ann requested John to take good care of Mindy, the last cat standing, if anything happened to her.

When Ann connected with someone she was an unwavering, honest, and loyal friend. Ann’s close friends valued her patient listening skills and intuition. She placed high value on good common sense, pragmatism, and had a wonderful sense of dry humor and sarcasm.

Ann was happiest spending time with her family. Ann and John have resided in Orlando since they were married in 1960. She took joy in early family years of camping which evolved into boating on many Florida lakes, rivers, and intercoastal waterways. Especially memorable were boating and fishing vacations on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and Florida Keys.

Ann most of all loved spending time at their second home in mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina. The mountain house and property were truly Ann’s favorite place to be. It provided peace, serenity, nourishment and lifeblood for Ann.  A favorite ritual of hers was walking down to the pond to feed the ducks, birds, and wild turkeys. Emotionally and physically she cherished the fresh air, the mountain views, and the sound of the stream—all surrounded by forest and wildlife.

God rest Ann’s soul as she has crossed over and she is surely missed by her beloved husband, family and friends.

Ann is survived by her loving husband John J. Matz, two sons, John Day Matz and Jeffrey Harper Matz and his wife Lyle Matz all in Orlando. Ann was predeceased first by her father Day L. Harper and many years later followed by her mother Evangeline.