Barbara A. Matthews, 75, Minot, ND formerly of Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on Monday April 3, 2017. She was born in Putnam, Connecticut on November 28, 1941 to John and Mary (Golumb) McDowell. Barbara was raised in Warwick, Rhode Island and graduated Warwick High School in 1959. After graduation, she attended Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her LPN degree.

In January 1962 Barbara married Robert Matthewseven after hitting him with her car. Soon after they relocated to Connecticut. Barbara acquired a nursing position at Meriden Memorial Hospital where she spent ten wonderful years as both a floor nurse and eventually a supervisor. During those ten years, they were blessed with three beautiful children; Michelle, Robert and Kathryn. Soon after the birth of her third child, Barbara returned to school to continue her education. She received her Masters Degree in Heath Care Administration from Rensselaer, graduating top of her class; while still working full time nights and raising her family. Barbara's work as a Nursing Home Administrator granted her the opportunity to travel throughout the country and to befriend some amazing people. She worked in Wyoming, Pennsylvania as well as Connecticut. She was known for her ability to take a nursing facility from under code to completely infraction free.

Barbara loved to travel, she had an amazing sense of adventure that was unsurpassed. She went on more adventures than most people do in their lifetime. She went white water rafting down the Colorado River with her son, but Mom couldn't swim! She owned an RV, which in its self was an adventure, it gave her the ability to travel whenever and wherever she wanted to. Barbara had the best sense of humor. She was always making people laugh. She wouldn't hesitate to dress up in a clown outfit and wear a big red nose to work to brighten the day of her residents. She had the warmest heart and most compassionate soul. Unless it came to cribbage she was a cribbage master even asking to play in her final days. Mom meant so much to so many people. Her passing will leave a void in so many hearts.

Preceding Barbara in death were her parents, an infant granddaughter Madison and her son Robert. She is survived by her daughters Michelle (Bryan) Kojima-Happ of Connecticut and Kathryn Matthews of Minot and Connecticut. Two grandchildren, Yuki Kojima of Boston, Massachusetts and Kayden Matthews of Minot and Connecticut. A sister Patricia DiStasio of Gasconade, Missouri and her niece Renae DiStasio of Windsor, Connecticut as well as many extended family members throughout the country. She was loved by so many and will be missed by so many more.

No local services will be held.