IRWD mourns passing of Mary Aileen Matheis
Irvine Ranch Water District was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Board Member Mary Aileen Matheis — a valued leader in the water industry, the Orange County community, and in state and national professional and charitable circles.
Mary Aileen served as an IRWD Board member from 1988 to 2020, serving four times as president and eight times as vice president during that time. She was pivotal in the creation of IRWD’s San Joaquin Marsh and its Campus, and in the development of the District’s water infrastructure, water efficiency and supply diversification efforts that has made IRWD an internationally recognized leader in water-supply reliability.
For 32 years, Mary Aileen guided the quality of IRWD’s values-focused culture with an unwavering spirit to do what is right — motivating others with her boundless energy, electrifying smile and grace.
“She brought a level of maturity and intellect to every room, every conversation, every meeting,” General Manager Paul Cook said. “I always enjoyed the wisdom and guidance she brought to everything she did.”
Raised at a time when educational pursuits for women were rare, Mary Aileen earned a Bachelor of Arts in American History from The Sage Colleges in New York, a Master’s in Communication from the University of Buffalo, a Master’s in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from Buffalo State University, and Doctor of Law degree from Western State College of Law.
A practicing attorney and realtor, she was also active in professional circles serving on the Legal Affairs Committee of the Association of California Water Agencies, the Independent Special District of Orange County’s Executive Committee, the Urban Water Institute, Water Education Foundation, Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Council of Governments, South Orange County Economic Coalition, Water Education Foundation, and more.
She was admitted to the National Association of Realtor’s Wall of Honor in Washington, D.C., was selected as Woman of the Year by the State Senate Chamber in Sacramento, and presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
Her civic and charitable activities included the Exchange Club of Irvine, the Lincoln Club of Orange County, the Irvine Valley College Foundation Board of Governors, San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc., Shadetree Partnership, and the Catholic Charities of Orange County Board of Trustees.
“I was always amazed at Mary Aileen’s energy, focus and enthusiasm for life,” IRWD Board President Doug Reinhart said. “But despite her many significant accomplishments at IRWD, those things really pale in comparison to her inexhaustible faith and commitment to family.”
Mary Aileen passed away on March 5 after visits with her seven children and extended family members. She was 98.
Described by many who knew her as a pioneer, trailblazer, peace-maker and great human being, she will be missed and remembered by all.
