Mae Matthews

Mae Jacqueline Farr Matthews was born on October 12, 1931 in Harlem, New York. She was the youngest of three children born to the late Robert Farr II and Emma Farr.

Mae grew up in Harlem alongside her siblings, Fae and Robert. In her young adulthood, Mae moved to Bronx, NY where she forged countless friendships and became a cherished member of her community.

Mae was the mother to one daughter, Sharon, who she raised in the Bronx and cherished deeply.

She was a dedicated federal employee, working for 30 years at the United States Postal Service from which she retired in January 1989 where she worked her way up to a Supervisory title.

Mae enjoyed traveling to other countries, sometimes for weeks at a time. One of her favorite destinations was Jamaica. She also enjoyed a good party where there was a dance floor for line dancing or a card table to play Bid Whist or Backgammon. Mae also enjoyed playing Candy Crush and Solitaire on her Ipad.

Mae especially liked spending time with her daughter and family, always present at family celebrations and gatherings. She was a celebrated bargain hunter and loved nothing more than strolling through the department stores and uncovering overlooked great buys.

Caring for and growing plants was also a favorite pastime. She had quite the green thumb and could coax the vitality back into even the most lethargic of house plants. Political engagement was very important to Mae and she was prominent in the Bronx Democratic Club.

Mae passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025 at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Emma Farr; sister Fae Farr-Bowie; and brother Robert Farr III.

To cherish her beloved memories, Mae leaves behind her devoted daughter, Sharon (Wendell) Reid; her granddaughter, Tiffany Reid; great-grandson, Tyriq McKelvey; nephew, Lester (Cristal) Bowie; grand-nephew, Michael Bowie; and loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mae was stern, but she was also an extremely warm-hearted, caring and loving mother and grandmother. She offered comfort, wisdom and kind words to everyone around her.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to The American Heart Association, www.heart.org