Matilda, woman of mystery …
Matilda is Worth Repeating’s very own Mystery Woman, created by volunteer Joy Matthews. Stop in for a visit to check out her fall collection! Photo courtesy Pat Sahakian.
by Marsha Chartrand
A volunteer, stopping in on Wednesday morning to begin her shift at Worth Repeating, was surprised to find a new occupant of the charity resale shop to greet her. The volunteer sent an anonymous tip to the Mirror and of course we had to track it down. So we checked in with Pat Sahakian of Worth Repeating, who pledged to try and help us out.
Fellow volunteer Joy Matthews shared some of Matilda’s 35-year-old story as a model in various capacities!
“My parents, George and Loretta Matthews, and I, Joy Matthews, moved to Dexter in 1987. Around 1989, our house was robbed by a group of teenagers. So my mom purchased Matilda, so that it would always look like someone was at home. She was pure white in color and didn’t have a painted face. She is made of some kind of material like muslin and is stuffed. She’s always in a sitting position, but you can adjust her arms and legs in different positions. She would sit on our couch with a wig and clothes on and at first it took some getting used to, having a new family member. When I would walk through the living room, I would get startled and have a mini heart attack when I caught sight of her from the corner of my eye.”
For several years, then, Matilda served as bodyguard and friend to the Matthews family home. Loretta Matthews died of breast cancer in 1994, and about a year later, George sold the Dexter house. Matilda was adopted by Joy’s sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Jim Whitlow from Riverview, where she soon became a favored guest at friends’ house parties around the community! But after several years, she slowed down her lifestyle a bit and became a valuable volunteer at Worth Repeating
“She has enjoyed being a fashion model for Worth Repeating’s lovely donated clothing. At some point in time, Wendi Huber gave her a spray tan, in a beige color. She sometimes sits in the window to greet customers and passers-by. For a while now, she has been sitting in the back of the store to greet our customers, and sometimes startles them. She does a great job in security. She has dressed as a witch, for witches night out, and I believe I heard that she has been in the Worth Repeating fashion show at the Manchester Fair,” says Joy.
Matilda’s social life has its perks, too. “Once or twice she has had a date and drinks with Barry Allen. Now don’t get jealous, Peggy!” Joy says jokingly. “Matilda works very hard to sit in her ever-still positions, while continuing to look stunning. One time, she earned a volunteer of the month award,” Joy adds. “I don’t think anyone else has ever received that award — that just shows you how hard she works!”
Matilda just had a makeover and has a new look for fall. Joy painted a scarecrow face on material to go over Matilda’s head and dressed her in some fall fashions, with fancy jewelry and fashionable boots. Her hair is made from a pretty red handmade scarf that was donated, and she is holding a basket of flowers.
The next time you walk or drive by Worth Repeating, make sure to stop in the store to say hello to Matilda and tell her what a good job she is doing!
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