JOHANNA H. (JO) MATTHEWS

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JOHANNA H. (JO) MATTHEWS It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Johanna Matthews on Sunday, September 9, 2007. Jo was born in East Kildonan in May of 1914 and lived most of her life in St. Vital. She was married to Asa Matthews on September 16, 1939 and had two children James (Doreen) and Joan (Ted) Swain; four grandchildren, Valerie (Andrew) Grantham, Bryan (Carolyn) Matthews, Natalie and Kristina Swain and four great-grandchildren, Braeden, Alyssa and Jaylee Matthews and Jack Grantham. Johanna worked at the Winnipeg Free Press from 1930 to 1947 and then again 1965 to 1979. After retirement she moved to Manitou, Manitoba where she lived for nine years caring for her special friend Bill Riddell. After Bill's death she lived for many years at Kirchhoff Gardens in St. Vital and for the last two years at ArlingtonHaus. She was predeceased by her husband Asa in 1964; parents, John and Barbera Plantje; brothers, Harry, Bill and Lou Plantje, brother-in-law and friend Tip O'Neil; niece Patricia O'Neil and sister-in-law Helen Plantje. As well as her immediate family Johanna is survived by her best friend and sister Berte O'Neil and her daughters, Terri Ridler and Lori McKenzie as well as two sisters-in-law Mary and Eva Plantje. Jo is also survived by Ida Mossop, Caroline Matthews, Leona Matthews, Earl (Herta) Matthews and Edith (Ron) McMillan from Asa's family. Many dear nieces and nephews also survive Jo. Jo's life revolved around her family but her interests were broad and varied from an acute and sometimes dynamic interest in world affairs to simple projects such as crocheting blankets for great grandchildren, crossword puzzles and cooking said to be the best in Manitoba. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at ArlingtonHaus and Grace Hospital 3 North for their compassion, kindness and support in caring for our mother and sister. A celebration of her life will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. Private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers we request donations to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Box 21008, 33-3900 Grant Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3R 3R2. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2007