September 15, 1927 - January 25, 2021
Don't grieve for me For now I'm free ~
On Monday, January 25, 2021 Thelma Mathews passed away after a long and courageous battle with dementia and then ultimately covid.
She was predeceased by her husband Kenneth William Ford Mathews of 50 years and by her first born daughter Velda Christine Mathews.
"GG" will be fondly remembered by her loving family including her daughter, Jennifer Farnell and her son Robert Mathews and his wife Susan. Thelma also has grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren that will also feel her loss. She loved them all and took great pride in enjoying the antics of the younger generation. She was always thrilled to see pictures of them growing up if she couldn't see them in person.
Thelma arrived in Canada during the winter in 1950 from England with her husband and two young daughters in tow. The first shock was the cold and snow and the second was the culture differences. She adapted and adjusted to her new reality but remained steadfastly loyal to her British homeland and heritage.
She faced adversity and unimaginable loss with courage, strength and dignity. She possessed a wonderful British wit and a determination that helped to carry her through the rough patches in life. She had a knack of shifting her perspective to handle difficult situations in a calm and rational manner. She faced life head on.
Thelma was a talented porcelain china painter creating works that sold internationally. She had a steady hand and an artist's eye for detail.
"GG" was also a clever seamstress and could knit sweaters with her eyes closed. She volunteered at numerous charities over the years and had a huge soft spot for cats of all sizes and shapes and personalities. She was happiest when she had a nice hot cup of tea (or a glass of sherry) and a furry friend purring on her lap.
Thelma will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Even though she has been taken from us physically she will continue to live on through us. Her legacy will continue to benefit the generations that follow. She had the wisdom to enjoy the journey and savour the process and has now returned to the universe.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for her many caregivers over the years including her faithful and ever reliable Doctor Perrier.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honour at any local cat shelter. Alleycat Alliance is one suggestion as is Critter Aid and Paws and Claws.