Almarie Mathews

Almarie Sackley was born into this world on February 16, 1923 in Chicago, IL. The oldest of 5 children. She grew up in Chicago with her parents, Alma and Rigney Sackley and her four siblings: Rigney, Jr., Elizabeth, Bill, and Joan. Almarie attended St. Mary's College of Notre Dame. She received a master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University. After school, she worked at the Catholic Charities of Chicago on the South Side. Then later, worked as the Assistant Dean of Women at St. Mary's of Notre Dame where she met Eugene (Gene) Mathews. Their speedy courtship may be record setting as Gene proposed on their first date!!! They were married in Chicago on July 22, 1950 at St. Gertrude's. After she married, Almarie and Gene made their home in Saginaw, MI. They had six beautiful children: Jeannie, Anne, Barbara, Laura, Tom and Trish. The family moved to Denver in 1963. Almarie was a loving wife and nurturing mother. In addition to working tirelessly to care for her large family, she found time to serve outside the home. She volunteered at Denver's Hope Center and served on their Board of Directors. She tutored and mentored children in the Denver Public Schools. In 1971, she utilized her Master's Degree by working part-time as a Social Worker for the Denver Public Schools. Almarie was a devout Christian, attending Blessed Sacrament, St. Vincent de Paul and most recently Christ the King Church. She volunteered in various capacities at these churches. One of her favorite ministries was to serve Holy Communion to the sick at various Denver hospitals. In 1984, Almarie's beloved husband, Gene of 32 years, passed away. In addition, she was predeceased by her siblings Bill Sackley and Elizabeth Lock. Almarie is survived by her two siblings Rigney Sackley, Jr. and Joan O'Shea and her brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas Mathews. Additionally, she is survived by her six children and their spouses. Jeannie and Mike Connally, Anne Porter, Barbara and Greg Ellena, Laura Mathews, Tom and Mary Mathews, and Trish and Stu Fuhlendorf. She is also survived by her twelve Grandchildren: David Ellena, Justin Connally, Kristen (Ellena) Minarik , Daniel Porter, Matthew Kessel, Erich Fuhlendorf, Alex Kessel, Katherine Ellena, Kelly Mathews, Hannah Fuhlendorf, Reed Mathews and Owen Mathews, one honorary Grandchild, Connor O'Leary and one Great Granddaughter, MaKenna Connally. Almarie was born into new life at age 87 on January 21, 2011. A Memorial Mass will be held to celebrate her life Saturday, January 29, 2011 at Christ the King Church, 860 Elm St., Denver, CO at 12:30PM. In lieu of flowers please send your kind donation to the Hospice of St. John: www.hospiceofsaintjohn.org Please share your memories of Almarie and condolences with her family by clicking on the ""Sign Guestbook"" link below.