Helen Kathleen "Kathy" Matthus

H. Kathleen “Kathy” Matthus

Helen Kathleen Matthus 1943-2025

81, of New Philadelphia, passed away at the Hospice Truman House on Jan. 18, 2025, following a short period of declining health.

Early Life and Education

Born in Canton, on August 14, 1943, she was the daughter of the late John E. and Helen I. (Saunders) Booth. After graduating from Midvale High School in 1961, Kathy pursued her formal education and passion for nursing at Metropolitan Nursing School in Cleveland, Ohio where she received her nursing diploma. She went on to continue her education and become an expert in her field. Kathy was an excellent nurse and role model to others. She loved to read, in addition to traveling with her long-time partner Gene Boggiani and close friends Donna and Randy Cadle. They shared many adventures together throughout the years.

Professional Career

Kathy’s professional career spanned more than 43 years mostly at Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio where she worked in pediatrics, recovery, surgery, then in an administrative capacity. She was the first nurse there to wear a white pantsuit as professional attire. She was well-respected and admired for taking quality care of her patients with empathy, compassion and professionalism. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades and awards for her outstanding service as a dedicated nurse.

Personal Life

Kathy was not only a devoted nurse, but also a loving mother/sister/aunt/friend. She is survived by her 4 children: 

 Melody Sweitzer (Bob) of Dover; Melissa Williams of Dover; James Foster; and Donald Foster (Tricia Scott) both of New Philadelphia. Her siblings include Cheryl Booth Franklin (Allen Franklin) of Strasburg, and Jim (Carol) Booth of New Philadelphia; and seven grandchildren; Tyler Vogel of Canton; Paisley and Grafton Williams IV of Dover; Katelyn Sweitzer of New York City; Jami Foster and Jaxon Seiber of New Philadelphia; and Madeline Scott Foster (Kye) of New Philadelphia; as well as five additional great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She also held a special place in her heart for her “granddog” Harley.

Legacy

Her legacy will live on through those she cared for and mentored throughout her career. She will be remembered not only for her professional achievements but also for the friendship, warmth, and kindness she showed to everyone around her.

Services

Calling hours for Kathy will be held at Toland-Herzig Funeral home on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, from 11:00 until 1:00 pm A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00. The Mideast Ohio Nurses Honor Guard will conduct the final call.  Burial will take place at East Avenue Cemetery. Guests are invited to attend a reception at Toland-Herzig's Famous Endings Museum following the service of committal. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia or The ALS Association.