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| Jean Matthews | |
Very sad news. Jean Matthews, longtime co-owner of Chapter One Bookstore, Hamilton, Mont., died on Wednesday. She was 58.
"In 1986, she and [her husband, Russ Lawrence] pooled their meager savings and negligible business experience to buy Chapter One Book Store," her obituary read. "They worked side by side to build the bookstore into a community resource. Jean became an advocate for adult literacy, helping to create the Literacy Bitterroot program, serving as its president, and working with adult clients."
In 2009, the pair sold the store and joined the Peace Corps, serving for several years in Peru.
Jean loved to sing and act and travel. And "she reveled in whimsy and high-minded silliness, whether hiking in formal dress to an alpine lake to serve 'High Tea,' or instigating road trips with her friends; that was pure Jean. She loved--really loved--riding her bicycle, was an avid hiker and cross-country skier, and her culinary skills won ribbons at the Ravalli County Fair. If the Mudflaps were playing, she and Russ were dancing."