Mary Beth Mathias, 70, of Montreal, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Her last days and moments were surrounded by her family and loved ones in the care of Villa Maria Nursing Home in Hurley, WI.

Mary Beth (MB) was born on August 19, 1955, in Ironwood to Leo and Lois (Finco) Gayan. She was a 1973 graduate of L.L. Wright High School in Ironwood and later became certified as a legal secretary.

She moved to Minnesota, where she started her career and family. She welcomed two children before being called to Wisconsin, where she welcomed two more children. She was then called back home to Ironwood to be closer to her family and to raise her 4 children. She worked in Ironwood at Superior Law for many years as a Legal Secretary.

Among Mary Beth's many favorite pastimes was cooking. If you knew Mary Beth, you could attest that she was one of the best chefs around. Her passion shined brightly around the holidays, special occasions... and every day in between. Every meal she created was masterful and completely made from scratch. Among her most loved dishes were her homemade egg rolls, raviolis, crepes, and holiday fudge. She spent countless hours in the kitchen and on the grill, especially alongside her lifelong best friend, Char Colassaco. They catered every grad party, wedding, and family holiday together, and nobody missed a serving.

Mary Beth enjoyed spending time with family along the shores of Lake Superior and cherished time shared with friends. She loved to read and to get creative. She also loved staying active through running, yoga, and biking. Adventurous at heart, she once biked from Ironwood to Florida and traveled many miles through other states as well. She also had a passion for music, played the piano, and sang sweetly-- especially around the holidays with family. Most of all, she treasured time spent with her family and beloved cats Emily, Richard, Max, and Cleo.

She will be remembered for being the life of the party, for her resilient spirit, adventurous soul, fierce independence, kind heart, generous gifts (that were always perfectly wrapped), and of course her delicious home-cooked meals.

Mary Beth will be missed dearly by her son, David Mathias of Marshfield; two daughters, Elizabeth (Lance) Mathias of Hurley and Becca (Brett) Teske of Shoreview, Minnesota; the father of her children, Paul Mathias; brother, Joe (Kim) Gayan; three sisters, Joyce (Duane) Gayan, Lori (Jim) Betzold, and Jackie Gayan; and five precious grandchildren, Bailey, Owen, Opal, Caleb, and Clayton. Mary Beth is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Matthew Paul Mathias; and her brother, Leo Joseph Gayan.

A celebration of Mary Beth’s life is being planned. Inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.