Val and Martha – A Life of Adventure, Family, and Connection

We had the pleasure of speaking with Val Mathews and Martha, who both participate in the Nutrition Program at the Suzanne Patterson Building. Their lives have been full of adventure, family, and meaningful connections. Here is their story:

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and what brought you to Princeton?

Val:
I grew up in Virginia. I had a deep interest in physics and worked in the military-industrial complex for a while. After that, I took some time to explore the world. I lived in southern Russia and the Texas oil fields, and those experiences really shaped who I am. But eventually, I found my number one woman: Martha. That was the moment I realized that life isn’t just about places and jobs; it’s about the people you connect with along the way.

Martha:
I was born in Washington, D.C. and have an identical twin sister. Growing up, tennis was a huge part of my life, and it was something my twin sister and I shared. However, after I fell and broke my hip, I had to leave the sport behind. Even though I couldn’t play anymore, I found joy in watching others, like John Isner, and admiring their talents. It’s funny how life changes, and tennis still remains something that binds my sister and me, even though I no longer play.

Q: How did you find your way to Princeton? What has been meaningful to you about living here?

Martha:
When it came time to choose schools for our children, we wanted the best for them. We found that West Windsor High School was the right place for them, and it was only a few blocks from our home, which made it all the more convenient. We were looking for a community that values education and personal growth, and Princeton has always embodied those values.

Val:
Princeton has been an ideal place for our family. Martha has always been passionate about teaching. She was a wonderful elementary school teacher and later worked as a director at Princeton University’s nursery school. For me, living in Princeton has been about finding balance — having a supportive community and raising our family in a place where education, culture, and the arts thrive.

Q: What has been the most fulfilling part of your life so far?

Val:
The most fulfilling part of my life has been the chance to travel and connect with people from different parts of the world. The cultural exchanges we’ve had in our home, from hosting guests from Russia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and East Germany — have broadened my view of the world. One of the most enriching experiences was when we hosted a student from Finland. She came to West Windsor High School as a senior to improve her English, and watching her grow and adapt to life in the U.S. was an incredible experience. It taught me how interconnected we all are, no matter where we come from.

Martha:
I couldn’t agree more. The exchanges we’ve had have really shaped our understanding of the world. It’s opened up our minds to different perspectives, and I’ve learned so much from these cultural interactions. It also gave our family the chance to appreciate the richness of other cultures and ways of life.

Q: What has been your experience with the Center for Modern Aging Princeton?

Val:
After Martha had her surgeries and was in and out of rehab, I found myself spending a lot of time alone. I qualified for the Nutrition Program here and began attending regularly. Honestly, it’s been a lifeline. It’s not just the food, although the meals are wonderful, it’s the people. Coming here has given me a sense of connection I was missing, and it’s been great for both my physical and emotional well-being. The social aspect has been just as important as the nutrition.

Martha:
I couldn’t agree more. After my surgeries, I’ve really come to appreciate the space CMAP offers. It’s a place where I feel seen and heard, and I’m not just another face in the crowd. Everyone here makes you feel welcome, and the camaraderie is really special. It’s more than just a place for food, it’s a place for connection and support. I truly feel at home here.

Q: What do you think is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life?

Val:
For me, the most important lesson has been the value of staying curious and never stopping the learning process. No matter how old you get, there is always something new to discover, whether it’s a place, a person, or an idea. I think we’re all constantly evolving, and that’s what makes life exciting. It’s important to keep an open mind and heart.

Martha:
For me, it’s all about savoring the little moments and not taking life too seriously. When you stop and appreciate the simple joys — whether it’s a good meal with family, a quiet walk, or a shared laugh, you find true happiness. It’s those little things that matter most in life.

Q: What do you most enjoy doing with your grandchildren?

Val:
Spending time with our grandchildren is pure joy. One of our granddaughters, when she was just six years old, challenged me to an arm-wrestling match. She said, “Grandpa, I’m your woman.” It was a moment I’ll never forget. The confidence they bring to everything they do is so inspiring, and it reminds me to keep that childlike enthusiasm in my own life.

Martha:
We love to take them out to eat and spend time with them, but they’re so busy with school now that we don’t get to see them as often as we’d like. But whenever we can, it’s a real treat. We just enjoy being together and soaking up their energy.

Q: How do you feel about the future? What are your hopes for the next chapter in your life?

Val:
We’re just so grateful for everything we’ve experienced in life. Watching our children and grandchildren grow and succeed has been a joy, and we just want to continue being a positive influence on them. Our focus now is on enjoying each day and making sure we’re living fully.

Martha:
I agree. We’ve had a rich and fulfilling life, and now it’s about appreciating each day. We want to continue being involved in our family’s lives and continue making memories together. Life’s short, so we’re just going to enjoy it while we can.

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Val and Martha’s story is a testament to the power of connection, love, and adventure. Their journey, full of cultural exchanges, family, and community involvement, shows us that the key to a fulfilling life lies in staying curious, connected, and grateful. Through their participation in the Nutrition Program at CMAP, they’ve found not only nourishment for their bodies but also a deeper sense of belonging. Their story reminds us that no matter our age, we are always capable of learning, growing, and sharing our wisdom with others.