MARCELLA GENEVIEVE MATHEWSON (SCHEKENE)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARCELLA GENEVIEVE MATHEWSON (nee SCHEKENE) October 27, 1921 - September 4, 2016 With deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of our dearest Mom, Grandmother (Nan) and Great-Grandmother (GiGi). Mom was predeceased by her husband Donald, her grandson Richard Cadieux, her parents Leo and Helen Schekene, and many close relatives and long time friends who made this final journey ahead of her. Mom will be greatly missed by her children Keith (Arlene) Mathewson, Donna (Ray) Cadieux and Barb (Jeff) Clendenan, grandchildren Marc (Monica) Cadieux, Andrew Mathewson, Laura and Lindsay Clendenan, and great-grandchildren Luc, Maddie and Ryan Cadieux. Mom was born in Wellesley, ON and shortly after, with her parents, moved to Port Dalhousie and then to St. Catharine's, ON. Wilson Street was Mom's home for all her younger years and a place that Mom's own children visited frequently and remembered fondly as they too grew up. Mom met the love of her life, Donald at a young age. In 1940, they were wed and for the first six years of marriage, they resided on Wilson Street with Mom's parents. Some of Mom's greatest strengths and attributes were her courage, decisiveness, strength and fortitude. When Dad had an opportunity to join a business partnership to manufacture transformers, Mom accepted the challenge even though it required a move to the prairies. In 1947, together as partners, Mom and Dad relocated their young family and moved to Winnipeg. Mom's determination to succeed and her devotion to raising her children in her new surroundings was evident. Mom encountered numerous challenges in these early years in Winnipeg but tackled them one by one as Winnipeg grew to become her home. Mom's ability to make friends came so naturally to her. People of all ages were drawn to her quick wit, generous nature and creative story telling. Most of all, Mom adored her family and smothered them with love. Mom was always there for us, lending an ear if we were troubled, giving hugs when needed and sharing advice as life's circumstances were passed our way. Along Mom's journey of life, she enjoyed many activities and travel adventures. She wowed many with her ping pong skills and never turned down a game of bridge. Along with Dad, Mom visited many warm locations through the years but together they most enjoyed their home in Mesa, AZ. Age crept up on Mom after her "Don" passed in 2003. However, her independent lifestyle and ability to make friends continued to be a gift as she encountered new friends at the condo and then at the Portsmouth. Mom was fortunate to make special a connection with her friends at Table #13, at the Portsmouth. They watched over each other and cared for each other daily. One of Mom's additional qualities was her ability to attract four legged animals of all shapes. Her last connection of this sort was her "Bear" who shared his love with her as he travelled the halls at the Portsmouth. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Macek, the nursing staff and health care aides of 3 North and 5 North. Your care and compassion provided to our Mom the last three months while at the Grace was so very much appreciated. In keeping with Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place and a funeral mass celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in St. John Brebeuf Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Marcella may be made to the Grace Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7, or to the Acheson/Cadieux Memorial Bursary Fund at St. Paul's High School, 2200 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3P 0P8, or to a charity of one's choice. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2016