Longtime Malibu Resident Mary Matza Dies at 67

Mary Margaret Matza, a resident of Malibu since the 1960s, died peacefully in her home on Latigo Shore Drive earlier this month. She was 67.

Matza, who also lived part-time in Puako, Hawaii, passed away on Jan. 9, surrounded by her family.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at The Parish of Saint Matthews, 1031 Bienveneda Ave., in Pacific Palisades.

The family released the following statement:

Mary leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity, humor and the ability to see the best in people. "Mary was like a beautiful silk fabric, smooth with a delicate appearance and made from one of the strongest natural fibers on earth,” her husband Joe Matza said.

Mary was born Mary Margaret Drane to Clark and Mildred Drane in Columbia, Missouri on November 23, 1945. The family moved to California when Mary was three and settled in the San Fernando Valley. In college, Mary met Joe Matza and after graduating from UC Northridge in 1967 they moved to the then rural community of Malibu.  

Joe and Mary raised two daughters and enjoyed the beauty of Malibu’s natural environment and community. After teaching school at Carden Malibu for eight years Mary managed properties in Malibu and Hawaii.

Mary and Joe’s home on Latigo Shore was a favorite destination of friends and family, not only for the beauty of the setting but also their open door. She welcomed everyone with equal warmth and hospitality.

As a young college student she studied abroad and visited much of Europe and Asia by taking a “Semester at Sea.” She also traveled with her family to Budapest, Italy, Africa, Greece and her beloved Puako. In more recent years Matza found incredible joy being with her grandchildren, taking long walks and learning the beauty of the Hula.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her mother Mildred Jansen Drane, her sister Susan Carpenter, her husband of 45 years Joe Matza, daughters Tia Matza Didden and Daria Matza, her son-in-laws, Brant Didden and Mark Devendorf, and grandchildren Diego Didden, Niko Didden and Sienna Lin Devendorf.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mary's honor to Be The Match at http://marrow.org.