Jean Z. Matzeder

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jean Plumb (known professionally as Jean Matzeder). Jean, an accomplished attorney and a beloved member of Hardwick Law Firm, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

Jean began her professional career as a journalist with the Independence Examiner, located in Independence, Missouri. She opted to pursue a legal education and attended the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law, graduating with Distinction while contributing to UMKC Law Review and serving as Student Editor-in-Chief of The Urban Lawyer, a law journal published in cooperation with the American Bar Association’s Section of State and Local Government Law.

After obtaining her J.D., Jean worked for prestigious law firms such as Stinson Mag & Fizzell (now Stinson LLP) and Vinson & Elkins LLP and briefly led her own firm (Shaffer Spies & Matzeder, P.C.) before joining Hardwick Law Firm, LLC, where she served as a partner and leader of our firm’s national public finance practice for nearly 30 years.

Jean was an accomplished practitioner in the public finance field. She participated in and supported the execution of legal transactions throughout the United States, including serving as counsel on the bond financing for Sage Memorial Hospital (selected as 2025 Deal of the Year by The Bond Buyer this past December). Her body of work demonstrated her capacity as a brilliant attorney, as well as her ability to lead and navigate matters of incredible complexity with a balance of expertise and efficiency.

A consummate professional, Jean was considered a dear friend and mentor by many of her peers. She worked seamlessly with clients, municipal advisors, co-counsels and various members of each transaction team while nurturing and training attorneys, paralegals, and administrative assistants in the fundamentals and nuances of public finance law. Her temperament and willingness to offer insights and suggestions, at times in a deadpan and dry-humored manner, endeared her to many members of our industry.

Outside of work, Jean was devoted to her husband, Ken, her daughter, Melanie, her granddaughter, Layla, and her dog, Blarney. She loved ballroom dancing and traveling the world. A member of Mensa for more than 50 years, her intelligence and curiosity complemented her personal passions for reading and solving puzzles.

Jean’s impact is evident and leaves a permanent imprint on our firm, her colleagues, her clients, and the field of public finance. We are honored to have worked alongside such an exceptional attorney and friend.

Arrangements have been made for services to honor Jean’s memory. More information may be found at the following link: Jean Plumb