In Memory

Jane C Smith (Matyas) - Class Of 1942

Jane C Smith (Matyas)

Jane Coulter Matyas (May 22, 1924 - September 13, 2012) was born in 1924 in Maghull, England, the second child of James and Mora Smith.  The family immigrated to California in that same year, settling in South Pasadena. 

Jane attended South Pasadena schools and the University of Southern California where she was president of her sorority, Delta Gamma.  At USC she met and married her beloved husband of 64 years, Emil Matyas.  Before starting a family, Jane worked as a retail buyer for Bullock's department store.  While raising her family, she was actively involved in charity and volunteer work for the Pasadena Auxiliary of Boys Republic, The Assistance League, and South Pasadena civic affairs.  After her children were grown, her interest in gourmet cooking led to a position as Associate Food Editor at Bon Appetit magazine and the creation of her own food product line, "Perfect Addition".

Jane was predeceased by her parents and her brother, John Gordon Smith (SPHS '39).  She is survived by her SAE sweetheart, Emil, and her children Anne (Irving) Meeker (SPHS '69), Susan (Clyde) Stauff (SPHS '72), James (Melanie) Matyas (SPHS '74), Laura (Jonathan) Polansky, and Deborah (Xavier) Urbina.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  "Muzzy:  four bulldogs, eight cats and numerous other beloved pets will be waiting for you in Heaven."

Los Angeles Times, September 23, 2012