Aptos

Elenita Q. Mathew, 93, of Aptos, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of November 1, 2024, with her beloved dog Gordo by her side. She was born in Atascadero, California May 7, 1931 and was proud of her heritage as a 6th generation native Californian. Her husband of 36 years, Robert H. Mathew, preceded her in death in 1987.

A dedicated educator for 41 years, she spent the last 20 years of her career teaching in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District as a bilingual elementary school teacher before retiring in 1988. She held a Master’s Degree from SJSU in Bilingual Education.

Elenita had many interests and activities which kept her busy after retirement. Being with her family was always her favorite thing to do. She was a loving and supportive mom, grandma, and great-grandma and never missed the weekly (4 generation) Sunday Family Lunches where she regularly beat the family at Mah Jongg. A member of the Tennis Club of Rio del Mar, she was an avid player and enjoyed playing into her eighties. She proudly volunteered 25 years as a docent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Elkhorn Slough, and Seacliff State Beach. She was also a devoted Corralitos Library volunteer.

She generously supported both the visual and performing arts. A gifted watercolorist, she enjoyed taking art classes taught by Bonnie Carver and she adored attending concerts under the batons of John and Cheryl Anderson.

Elenita is survived by her children, Kirk (Kathy), Dr. Elena Nyhan (John), and Brandon (Tanima), as well as 2 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, and 2 great-granddaughters.

Elenita will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her wishes were for no public memorial service, so to honor her, simply take a moment to remember her unfailing kindness, generosity, and enduring good humor so she can live on in our hearts.