Irene A. (Fonseca) Matthews, 71, of West Wareham, died June 19 in the Kindred Transitional Care – Forestview. She was the wife of Kenneth M. Matthews. They were married for 50 years.

She was born in Springfield, the daughter of the late Joaquim and Maria (Costa) Fonseca. She lived in Wareham for many years.

Mrs. Matthews worked at Sippican Corporation in Marion. She enjoyed being a homemaker and was foster mother to more than 30 children.

She was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth M. Matthews; 5 sons, Kerwin M. Matthews of Wareham, Kenneth M. Matthews, Jr. of New Bedford, John B. Matthews of Punta Gorda, FL, Keith B. Matthews of Wareham and Steven Matthews of West Wareham; a daughter, Kelsey Matthews of West Wareham; a sister, Mary Britto of CA; 13 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter. Another son, Kevin M. Matthews predeceased her.

Her funeral will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 82 High St., Wareham. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Visiting hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.