Obituary of Marion Irene MATTHEWS

Marianne Matthews passed away on July 5, 2011, after suffering another severe stroke, at the age of 83 years. Marianne is survived by her loving daughter, Corinne, son-in-law David Linder, and grandson Matthew. She was predeceased by her husband H. Keith Matthews (in 2008), son H. Scott Matthews (in 1993), her 2 sisters Evelyn and Mildred, her 2 brothers Charles and Harold, and her parents Pearl and Arthur. In addition, Marianne is also survived by her granddaughter Elissa, daughter-in-law Barbara, and other family members including Kyle, Pierce, Myrna, Neil, Dale, Boyd, Grey, and other distant relatives. Marianne was born in Balzac, Alberta and grew up on a large wheat and livestock farm. She was educated in a one-room prairie school house, then moved to the big city of Calgary to attend High School and College. Marianne worked as a secretary for several years, before she and Keith started raising their family in Calgary. She was a supportive and loving wife and a devoted mother to her 2 children, including assisting them in their various activities and associations (Cubs, Elocution Lessons and Competitions, Jobs Daughters, DeMolay, etc.). Marianne was previously active in the Engineers Wives Association, and belonged to a local bridge club of girlfriends for almost 30 years. Marianne would always lend a hand when needed, and loved entertaining family and friends. We all enjoyed her delicious meals, baked goods, and happy, memorable family get-togethers, and many holidays spent together. Marianne and Keith caught the travelling-bug early in their marriage and continued to be world-wide travelers after they retired to Victoria, B.C. (at age 55) in 1982. Marianne was a gregarious and fun-loving gal, who loved people, and they loved her right back! She was one of the most thoughtful and generous women you would ever meet. Marianne was also a great letter writer, and kept in touch with many friends and acquaintances for years and years. Her favourite saying was: In order to have a friend, you must be a friend. Marianne suffered a debilitating stroke in 2004. Her husband Keith, daughter Cory, and Caregivers took care of Marianne for the next several years, until this final stroke ended her life. Heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to Mariannes 2 previous live-in Caregivers: Edilyn (Batin) Villarin and Judy Clarke. Your devotion, dedicated care, and love greatly eased Mariannes burdens. A sincere thank you also to Rosalina (Roca Care Giver Agency) and her special Caregivers and family members for your kindness and support. Special thanks also to: Pat & Muriel, Lori & Ric, Robyn & Lloyd, Bert & Doris, Garry & Darlene, Joan, Amy & family, Alison, Kaye & Alex, Millie & Frank, Donna & Lorin, and many other kind friends and caregivers. No public Memorial Service was held. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.