Kendra Elizabeth Matheny (Urquhart)

Kendra Elizabeth Matheny (Urquhart), 71 of Columbia, SC, passed away surrounded by friends and family on July 21, 2026.

Born in Cohoes, New York on October 11, 1954, Kendra graduated from Shaker High School before earning a degree in Early Education Teaching at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. While in college, she met her future husband of 49 years, Richard Matheny, at nearby Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She taught in an elementary school in Illinois prior to the birth of her son, Matthew Matheny. Shortly after, the family moved to central Connecticut where she was a dedicated mother, a small business owner, and a community organizer and volunteer. In 2002, she relocated to South Carolina with her husband and son.

For most of her adult life, Kendra was an avid crafter with an emphasis on quilting in her later years. She was a loyal University of South Carolina women’s basketball fan for more than two decades, often traveling to away games and tournaments. In 2017, she started her most beloved role as “gaga,” a loving grandmother to her grandson. She is survived by Richard (husband), Matt (son), Hugh (grandson), and Ken Urquhart (brother).

A celebration of life for Kendra will be held for friends and family on Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 2-5 pm at DOKO Manor, 100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood, SC 29016. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society. donate.cancer.org/