On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, Janet Matthews (née Smith) passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  She was born to Kenneth Hyland and Lucille Smith  on November 25, 1947 in Belmont, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. In Trinidad, Janet worked as a much sought-after seamstress, designing elaborate wedding dresses and intricate Carnival costumes for those playing mass at Trinidad’s annual Carnival.  In 1965, she married Colin Matthews (deceased) and they had three sons, Gary Colin, Roger Kenwin, and Asher John.

Janet and her sons immigrated to the United States in 1989. She continued her work as a seamstress while taking on additional jobs to support her family. In doing so, she afforded her sons opportunities to succeed and imparted a solid work ethic in each of them. She also carved out time to honor her traditions and culture by faithfully traveling to her home in Trinidad every year for Carnival for as long as she was able. Doing so bought her great joy and kept her connected to her roots.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister Marla. She is survived by her three sons, Gary, Roger and Asher, daughter-in-law, Nicole, her grandson, Delano Ali Matthews, her brothers Kelvin, Keith and Kenny, her sisters Erma, Marilyn, Carol and Lynette, and her significant other and caretaker, Clyde Raymond. Her loving smile and gentle nature will truly be missed by them and a host of friends and extended family.

Janet will be remembered for her smile, her kindness, her sage advice, and her generosity. There was never a time when anyone who visited left her home emptyhanded. She loved to laugh and celebrate life. It is those memories that the family hopes sustain everyone she touched as they reminisce on her life and carry her memory forward.

The family would like to thank friends, colleagues and neighbors who showed support to our beloved matriarch throughout her life and especially during her illness. The kindness you have shown through your words, thoughts, prayers, and deeds is truly appreciated. May God bless and keep you.

The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 from 4:00 – 6:00pm at Caribe Funeral Home, 1922 Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, NY with a funeral service to be held immediately afterward. A light repast will be served at 1693 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226 (between Beverley Road and Cortelyou Road) at 8:00pm.

Condolences may be sent to the family here or by visiting: everloved.com/life-of/janet-matthews

Cards and flowers should be sent to Caribe Funeral Home in Brooklyn, NY through June 21, 2023. After, they can be sent to 1199 E. 53rd Street, Apartment 4E, Brooklyn, NY 11234.  Donations in memory of Janet may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.