Obituary of Joneen E. Matthews

Joneen Elizabeth Matthews, 72, of Fountain Street, Clinton, NY, passed away Tuesday, April 18^th, 2023 at Albany Medical Center.

Joneen was born in Queens, NY, daughter of the late Janet Epple Koslowski. She was raised in Clinton, NY, and considered herself a Clintonian through and through. After graduating from Clinton High School, Joneen briefly moved to Malibu, CA, before returning to the Mohawk Valley.

Joneen attended classes at Syracuse University, under the tutelage of Tobias Wolff. Her studies concluded, unexpectedly, with the pregnancy of her twin daughters.

Joneen worked for the City of Utica for over 30 years under several titles in the Engineering Department, beginning as a hand draftsman and ending as City Engineer, before her retirement in the early 2000s. Joneen was the first, and only, woman to hold this position for the city. She oversaw many urban renewal developments during her employment that led to the elevation of a city many love and hold dear to this day.

Joneen was an advocate of community arts and an active participant in Clinton’s KAC for most of her adult life. She was a talented black and white photographer, excelling in street photography. 

She loved her house on 19 Fountain street, and many will lovingly recall her working away on her gardens and hosting beautiful, joy filled, dinners in her large, tree-lined backyard. When not at home, Joneen could be found enjoying the Root Glen at Hamilton College and biking along the quiet streets of Clinton.

May we remember her for her strength, generosity, and kindness.

Matthews is survived by her two children, Jessica Matthews and husband, Gus Muller, of Northampton, MA, and Erica Matthews and husband, Jared Balog, of Kingston, NY; her siblings, brother Michael Lynch and wife, Debra, of Kirkland, NY, and sister Cathy Stubbs and husband, Richard, of Hamden, CT. Matthews is predeceased by former husband, Gerald “Jerry” Matthews, and former husband Gerard “Jerry” Semchenko.

A memorial service will be arranged for later in the summer. The burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. For more information on the upcoming service or to leave a condolence please visit owenspavlotrogers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Clinton.