Obituary of Lois Angelina Matters
1934 - 2013
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Lois Matters announces her passing on Monday, April 8, 2013 in Cranbrook, British Columbia at 78 years of age.
Lois was born on December 19, 1934 in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Bill, Rose and Lois moved to Jaffray, B.C., in 1936. Her dad joined the Army in 1939 and served until December 1945. During this time she lived in several places where her mother worked. She attended school in Jaffray and Waldo and graduated in Fernie. She entered St. Michaels School of Nursing in Lethbridge in 1953. She graduated in 1956 and worked in Claresholm, AB. Lois and Jim were married in Cranbrook on December 27, 1956. In October 1957, they moved to Grostenquin, France. In January 1960, they were posted to Decimomannu, Sardegna. In July 1961 they were posted to Greenwood, NS. While at Greenwood she got a staph infection in her left hand which resulted in it's limited use.
In 1966 they were posted to Winnipeg. Lois decided to rejoin the work force so she took a refresher course in nursing at St. Boniface. She worked at St. Anthony's Nursing Home until they moved to Dartmouth in 1969. Lois worked at Ocean View Manor in Eastern Passage until 1974 when they were posted to St. Hubert. She worked at nursing in Montreal until they were posted to Cold Lake in 1977. She worked at the Cold Lake Hospital for a short time and then took a position at the Senior's Home in Bonnyville. Because of the long drive, she changed careers and started selling insurance for Co-operators in Grand Centre. In 1980 they were posted to Winnipeg where she worked at the Deer Lodge Hospital. In 1985 they moved to Moose Jaw where Lois worked at the Union Hospital. They moved to Cranbrook in 1990 and she took a position in psychiatry at the Cranbrook Hospital. She retired from nursing in 1994.
Upon retirement Lois did volunteer work for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and also for the Hospital Thrift Shop and the Public Health Clinic. She was active in the Catholic Women's League for over fifty years. During her time in Winnipeg, she helped to set up their youth bowling league. Lois will always be remembered for her volunteer work, infectious laughter and love of a good joke, which often resulted in tears.
Lois is survived by her loving husband Jim Matters, sons Bob Matters (Lyne), Barry Matters (Andrea) and Bernie Matters (Cheryl), daughter-in-law Tracy Matters, grandchildren Chantal Hegge, (Chad), Megan Matters, Cassandra Matters (Bryce), Alicia Phillips (Brent), Catlin Phillips (Ross), Brayden Phillips, Clint and Natalie Morin, Michaela Matters, Jamie Matters, Madison and Isabelle, Dan and Jo Matters, great grandchildren Riley Potts, Isabel and Emma Hegge, Kinslee MacDonald and Leyton McConachie. She was predeceased by her father William "Bill" McKay, her mother Rose Therriault and her son Bill Matters.
A funeral mass for Lois will be held on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 11:00 am at Christ The Servant Roman Catholic Church in Cranbrook on 14th Avenue. Following the mass Lois will be Interred in the Westlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. A reception will follow at Christ The Servant Roman Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Lois may do so to: Covenant House Vancouver, 575 - Drake Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4K8, or the: Canadian Cancer Society, 19 - 9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 2L9.
A special thank you to Dr. Van Rietschoten for the special care he gave to Lois which words cannot describe.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.
Condolences for the family can be offered at:
www.mcphersonfh.com
