Carolyn “Connie” (Scott) Matthews

Carolyn “Connie” (Scott) Matthews, age 91, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at Hellenic Senior Living Center.

She was born on February 24, 1935, in Earl Park, Indiana, to the late Kenneth Scott and Lena (Foster) Scott. Carolyn married the love of her life, Russel A. Matthews, in 1957 in Lafayette, Indiana. He preceded her in death in 2007.

Carolyn is survived by her four children: Beth (Peter) Battista of St. Joseph, Michigan; Susan (Mark) Reynolds of Carrollton, Virginia; Scott (Marsha) Matthews of South Bend, Indiana; and Brenda (Richard) Thomas of Wheaton, Illinois. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Joe (Kimy) Battista, Nikki (Andrew Bain) Battista, Lauren (Blake) Bowen, Evan (Hannah) Reynolds, Dana (Matt) Jacobson, Aaron (Courtney) Matthews, Grace (Kyle) Wood, and Will Thomas. She also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Ophelia, Ara, Cora, Kane, Kole, Kinsley, Addie, and Poppy. Carolyn is also survived by her brother, Daniel Scott of Asheville, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Russell; her sister, Joann Baker; her brother, Richard Scott; and her granddaughter, Meredith Thomas.

Carolyn lived a full and active life centered around her family, community, and many interests. Alongside her husband, she owned and operated Pizza King in Roseland from 1967 until 2000. She was an avid sports fan who enjoyed cheering on Purdue, the Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame, NASCAR, the Chicago Bulls, and tennis. Carolyn was also active in her community as a member of the St. Joseph County Clay Township Republican Women’s Group. She worked as a secretary at the Jones Obenchain Law Firm and later spent many years working in voter registration at the St. Joseph County Building.

In accordance with her wishes, Carolyn will be cremated and laid to rest beside her husband at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, Indiana 46635. Visitation will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. A private interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Meredith C. Thomas Foundation @ https://donorbox.org/the-meredith-c-thomas-myositis-research-fellowship-2026 or to Ascent Hospice.

Carolyn will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

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