Mary Louise Danckert Matthews, formerly of Lompoc, California, passed away on February 8, 2019 surrounded by loved ones.  She was almost 97 years old.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 31, 1922, to German and Irish immigrants, she grew up in North Quincy.  Throughout her life, she cultivated many talents, but her beautiful voice and her passion for music led to several pronounced achievements throughout her life.  At nine years old, she was a finalist in the Boston Golden Voice contest.  When she was a young woman, she sang with Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, and the Dorsey brothers, among others.  Also, she sang for Babe Ruth, the Kennedy family, and all of Boston on her weekly WMEX radio show.  When she was older, she sang with her church, in nursing homes, and with the Vanderbelles in Lompoc.

With all her talent, charisma and sophistication she never failed to turn heads and win hearts. Despite her public accolades, she would certainly say that her greatest accomplishment was marrying the love of her life, Raymond Matthews, Sr. and raising her five treasured children.

A military family, Mary, her husband, and kids explored the world together, living in France and Spain, among other places before settling in Lompoc in 1964.  She will be remembered for always taking the time to laugh and cry with her loved ones, making them feel encouraged and cherished throughout their lives.  She had the same effect on strangers she met through her volunteer work: a smile, a hand held, and a "be good to yourself" from Mary never failed to brighten anyone's day.

She joins her dearest husband, her son Michael, and her beloved grandson, Bryan, in Heaven.  She leaves behind her brother, Jack, her four children, Raymond, Jr., Robert, Mary Beth, and Patrice and their spouses, as well as three granddaughters, and soon to be seven great grandchildren.  Viewing services will be held on Thursday evening, February 21, 2019, from 5 to 8 PM, and a Vigil Service at 7PM, at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, 123 North Ave Lompoc, California.  Funeral services will start promptly at 10 AM, on Friday February 22, 2019, at Starbuck-Lind.  Burial services will follow at the Lompoc Cemetery. Her family is asking for flowers or donations to Alzheimer's association.