Elsie Matthewman: A Life of Quiet Courage and Compassion
Elsie Matthewman, who has died at the age of 83, was a woman of profound loyalty and steadfast courage, whose lifelong commitment to caring for others was expressed through practical, thoughtful actions rather than grand gestures. After raising her own family, Elsie discovered her true calling in the 1980s through her involvement with the Cry-sis charity, where she became a vocal advocate for parents struggling with babies' sleep difficulties.
Early Life and Personal Challenges
Born in Sheffield, Elsie entered the world alongside her twin brother, Eric, in a bustling household that already included four older siblings. Tragically, Eric died in infancy, a loss that Elsie carried with her throughout her life. She rarely spoke of this early sorrow, though she once confided to her daughter that she always felt a part of her was "missing, just not there."
Her childhood was profoundly shaped by the upheavals of the Second World War. Elsie's mother, Florrie, relocated the children to the relative safety of Crane Moor, a village on the outskirts of Sheffield, while their father, Bill Redwood, served abroad with the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment. Elsie flourished at Silkstone school and often expressed regret that she was unable to continue her formal education. It was in Crane Moor that she grew up alongside Tony Matthewman, whom she would marry in 1959 when she was just 19 years old.
Career, Family, and Charitable Work
As a young woman, Elsie worked at Samuel Fox's in Stocksbridge, where she was involved in making the factory's renowned umbrellas. Tony worked as a wire drawer in the company's steelworks, which later became part of British Steel. After their marriage, the couple settled in nearby Garden Village, where they raised their two children, Paul and her daughter.
Elsie was a protective, practical, and endlessly resourceful mother. When her children were deemed old enough to walk to school alone, she would secretly follow them, hiding behind gates and trees to ensure their safety. Family holidays were simple yet joyful affairs, filled with Blackpool rock, donkey rides, and cricket on the beach.
In the 1970s, the family ventured abroad for the first time. Despite a profound fear of flying, Elsie insisted on making the trip because she wanted her children to experience the wider world. Her anxiety famously erupted mid-flight when passengers stood to look out at the mountains, prompting her to scream at them to sit down lest they "turn the plane over!" Yet, she also clapped the loudest when the aircraft landed safely.
Elsie's involvement with Cry-sis began when it was a small support group run by parents for other parents of sleepless babies. Drawing on her own experiences, she developed pioneering insights into issues such as diet, overstimulation, and behaviour that were well ahead of their time. She became a prominent spokesperson for the charity, speaking at conferences and making appearances on radio and television, ultimately helping countless families across the country. Tony supported her work wholeheartedly, driving her to events and cheering her on every step of the way.
Later Years and Legacy
Widowed in 1996, Elsie rebuilt her life with characteristic resilience. She adored her four grandsons – Hari, Tom, Harvey, and Archie – and cultivated a vibrant social life with her close-knit group of friends, travelling widely and laughing often. In her later years, she embraced new technology with enthusiasm, relishing her mobile phone, Facebook, Netflix, and online shopping.
Even as her mobility declined, Elsie found innovative solutions, such as purchasing a motor scooter which she affectionately named the "jalopy," always seeking to expand her world rather than allow it to shrink. She is survived by her children, Paul and her daughter, her four grandsons, and her sister Brenda and brother Bill.
Elsie Matthewman's legacy is one of quiet courage, deep loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to helping others, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many through her charitable work and personal kindness.
