Obituary of Patricia Anne Matthews
Patricia “Pat” Anne Matthews, a long-time resident of Elnora - passed away September 14, 2024, in Red Deer, with her family by her side. She is predeceased by her parents, sisters, and her loving husband and intrepid travelling companion David.
Pat was born July 9th, 1935, in Three Hills to Francis and George Mills. Youngest of 5 sisters, she lived on the farm for most of her childhood and loved to tell her grandchildren about riding her horse, Red, to school. After graduating from Cresent Heights High School in Calgary she went on to Secretarial College. She and Dave were married in Calgary in 1954, and had 4 children - Debora Matthews (Bob MacKinnon) of Halifax, Michael Matthews (Patricia) of Peace River, Deanna Matthews (Em Scott) of Ladysmith, and Colleen Burren (Don) of Delburne; 7 grandchildren – Melissa Simpson (Kevin), Meghan Burren, Ryley Burren, Michelle Houle, Alex Houle (Kate), Aaron Ingersoll and Alexandra Proctor; 5 great grandchildren - Arend, Devin, Lilly, Virginia, and Iris.
Apart from her family her great loves were her two dogs, Muffin and then Missy – the extra siblings.
She was a strong role model for giving back to her community - as an active member of many local organizations including the Trenville Royal Purple (life-time member), Alex Breton VC Branch of the Canadian Legion, Elnora 4-H Sewing Club, Elnora Museum Society, the Elnora Anglican Church and the Pine Lake choirs. At a time when few women were involved in amateur radio, she was a ham radio operator and maintained conversations with like-minded folks around the world for many years.
Pat instilled the value of education to her children, as she herself returned later in life to obtain her Certificate in Hospital Administration from the University of Saskatchewan. She was a career woman long before the term was popular, raising 4 active children while running the Elnora Hotel and later, administrator for the Elnora Hospital.
Music was a very important part of her life. She taught piano for many years (not so successfully to her own children!) and played the organ for local church services and choirs. She loved travel, curling, golf, chuckwagon races, quilting and sweets; Legion Christmas dinners, the Elnora Coffee circle and collecting coins. She hated turkey and housecleaning. She would hide coins in the Elnora Hotel Bar to bribe her children to do the clean-up.
Of the many happy memories her children and grandchildren cherish is when she let them comb and curl her hair (those lovely pink foam rollers!) and apply her make-up.
Her children are so grateful for the care and kindness given to their mom by Denise Roberts, Steve and Karen Pennock, Elnora Home Care and FCSS. A very special thank-you to the staff at the Hamlets in Red Deer, whose warmth and empathic care has given much solace to her family.
Her departure leaves an unfillable void in our lives, yet we find comfort in the memories and everlasting love we shared.
A family memorial will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation in her memory may contribute to the Elnora Museum (Box 573, Elnora AB T0M 0Y0) or the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta. Condolences to Pat’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Patricia Matthews” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944