Stephen "Steve" Matthews

Stephen “Steve” H. Matthews, 74, of Rockford passed suddenly on Sunday, August 15, 2021, in his home.  Born October 19, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, son of Henry and Hester (Whitehead) Matthews.  Steve married Kathy Olson in 1973; she passed in 1998.  He married Sheila F. McPherson in 2001.  Steve obtained a bachelor’s degree from Parsons College in Fairfield, IA, and a master’s in special education from Northern Illinois University.  Steve had a nearly 35-year career as a special education teacher.  He worked at Guilford High School in Rockford and several adolescent addiction recovery centers.  Teaching and counseling were more than a career to Steve, they were a beloved lifelong calling to him, one he embraced even in his retirement.  He loved his students, always put the kids first and touched many lives in Rockford and beyond.  He was a member of Bethesda Covenant Church and Riverside Community Church.  Steve was an avid fisherman and loved spending time with friends and family at the family cabin in Ely, Minnesota.  He also enjoyed traveling, particularly going on cruises, and was a great cook.  Steve was a loving father and grandfather who always supported his girl’s endeavors.  He was a fixture at his granddaughter Norah’s dance competitions and recitals, always cheering her on.  Steve is survived by his loving wife, Sheila; daughter, Karen Matthews-Wright; granddaughter, Norah Wright; sister, Joan (Hal) Kramer; sisters-in-law, Barb (Doug) Evans and Sharry Zimmerman; nephew, Gregory Kramer; niece, Caroline (Erik) Morse; and many close friends.  Predeceased by his parents; wife, Kathy; brother-in-law, Jim Zimmerman; and nephew, Stephen Kramer.  Steve always served as a light for his students who struggled with learning disabilities and their families.  Of the array of difficulties his students encountered, Steve excelled at helping students with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  He provided them with the foundation to tackle their struggles with bravery and competence in ways that only a gifted, empathetic, and knowledgeable person like Steve could.

A memorial visitation celebrating Steve’s life will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.  Cremation rites accorded.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or CHADD (Children & Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).