Glenice Mathews
After 96 years of life, Glenice passed away peacefully in her home on September 21, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born on August 2, 1929 in Glen Haven, WI, Glenice spent her childhood on the family farm – playing with her three younger siblings, helping with farm chores and cooking, and documenting Chicago Cubs scores for her dad while he was in the fields. A natural nurturer, she attended St Francis School of Nursing. After graduating in 1950, Glenice had the opportunity to care for a family moving to Santa Barbara. In 1954, she left her midwest home and family to move to Santa Barbara, where she met life-long friends.
Glenice first met Ronald Mathews at the Dolores Center. Glenice and Ronald were married August 9, 1958 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage, milestones, and adventures together. They welcomed two sons, Joseph and Thomas, and raised them in their Santa Barbara home. They spent countless hours boating and fishing in the Santa Barbara Channel. They supported each other’s professional careers and eventually worked together in the family business. In their retirement, they traveled widely together and cheered on their grandchildren at sporting events and music recitals. Ron and Glenice were an impressive team together.
Glenice was a committed hard worker in all that she did. As a nurse, Glenice worked for local doctors, Bishop Diego High School, and Valle Verde Skilled Nursing. After retiring from nursing, she helped as an office manager for the family business. She was also an active member of the Old Mission, Catholic Daughters, Santa Barbara Historical Society, Capa Alba Nursing Society, Santa Barbara Power Squadron, and the antique collecting community.
Marked by a compassionate and generous spirit, Glenice loved to bring people together. She hosted many gatherings for family and friends. She cheerfully shared her baked goods and flowers with others. She was a dedicated fan of her grandchildren’s sports teams and the Chicago Cubs. She was a prolific card-writer, reminding loved ones she was thinking of them. Glenice was a nurse and caregiver through and through.
Glenice is survived by her husband Ronald, son Joe (wife Amy), son Tom (wife Lisa), granddaughter Claire (husband Matthew), granddaughter Madeleine (husband Jered), grandson Alex (fiancee Abby), and her beloved great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Old Mission on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11:00. All those who were lucky to have known Glenice are welcome.
