Elsie Matthewman, a woman of quiet courage and profound loyalty whose lifelong instinct to care for others was expressed through practical, thoughtful actions, has died at the age of 83. After raising her family, Elsie discovered her voice in the 1980s through the charity Cry-sis, where she supported parents struggling with babies' sleep difficulties.
A Voice for Parents Ahead of Her Time
Drawing from her own personal experiences, Elsie developed insightful approaches regarding diet, overstimulation, and behavior that were remarkably ahead of their time. She became a prominent figure, speaking at conferences and making appearances on both radio and television broadcasts. Through these efforts, she provided invaluable assistance to countless families navigating the challenges of sleepless infants.
Early Life and Personal Loss
Born in Sheffield, Elsie entered the world alongside her twin brother, Eric, into a bustling household that already included four older siblings. Tragically, Eric died in infancy, a loss Elsie rarely discussed, though she once confided that she always felt a part of her was "missing, just not there." Her early years were shaped by the upheaval of the Second World War.
Her mother, Florrie, relocated the children to the relative safety of Crane Moor, a village on Sheffield's outskirts, while their father, Bill Redwood, served abroad with the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment. Elsie thrived at Silkstone school and later expressed regret at not being able to continue her formal education. It was in Crane Moor that she grew up alongside Tony Matthewman, whom she married in 1959 at the age of 19.
Stylish, Sociable, and Resourceful
Elsie was known for her distinctive style, often wearing red lipstick, and her love of dancing. As a young woman, she worked at Samuel Fox's in Stocksbridge, manufacturing the company's famous umbrellas. Tony worked as a wire drawer in the same 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 the author of this obituary.
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, filled with Blackpool rock, donkey rides, and cricket on the beach.
Overcoming Fears and Embracing New Experiences
In the 1970s, the family ventured abroad for the first time. Despite a profound fear of flying, Elsie insisted on going 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; she screamed at them to sit down, fearing they would "turn the plane over!" However, she also clapped the loudest when the aircraft landed safely.
Dedication to Cry-sis and Later Life
When Elsie became involved in the early days of Cry-sis, it was a small support group run by parents for other parents of sleepless babies. It has since grown into a national charity and helpline. Tony supported her work wholeheartedly, driving her to events and cheering her on from the sidelines.
Widowed in 1996, Elsie rebuilt her life with characteristic resilience. She adored her four grandsons – Hari, Tom, Harvey, and Archie – and cultivated a lively social life with a close-knit group of friends, traveling widely and laughing often. In her later years, she enthusiastically embraced new technology, relishing her mobile phone, Facebook, Netflix, and online shopping.
Even as her mobility declined, Elsie found innovative solutions, such as purchasing a motor scooter she affectionately named the "jalopy," always choosing to expand her world rather than allow it to shrink. She is survived by her children Paul and the author, her four grandsons, and her sister Brenda and brother Bill.
