Janice Kay Matthews 1943–2026 ….

Janice Kay Matthews 1943–2026

Janice “Kay” Matthews, age 82 passed on July 18, 2026, at 2:45 a.m. at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. She was born on Sept. 1, 1943, in South Bend, Indiana, to Donald Matthews and Marie Moss as their only child. Kay is survived by cousins throughout the United States.

Kay often described her life as “20-40-20.” Her first 20 years growing up in South Bend, she developed a love of all things Notre Dame. Her love of the ocean drew her to relocate the next 40 years in Southern California. She was hired by the aerospace industry as an executive assistant. Her loyalty to the Los Angeles Lakers was well known. Walking her rescued pups kept her moving.

She also became active in The Church of Religious Science (nee Church of Spiritual Living). The last 20 years began when she retired to Seal Beach Leisure World which she called “paradise.” Kay appreciated the friendship and support of her neighbors. She enjoyed meeting people in community activities—library volunteer, genealogy, knitting, and assorted lectures. Rescued cats became her companions. She enjoyed “scootering” to the Health Care Center, food trucks, concerts, and shopping. She was happy in Leisure World.

Kay had a strong philosophy of spirit. During her physical challenges, she began looking forward to her next life. When asked how to share her passing, Kay specified two requests she wanted honored: first, Kay made arrangements with the Neptune Society to scatter her ashes at sea; second, she asked her friends on Facebook be told of her passing. No funeral or celebration of life is planned.

—paid obituary