EDITH MATILDA MATTSON

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EDITH MATILDA MATTSON (nee SODERGARD) April 17, 1910 - November 16, 2015 It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who left us at age 105.5 years old. She was predeceased by her loving husband, John in 2001, and her six brothers and sisters. Edith will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Myrna, and son-in-law Ken Proctor; her granddaughter Karen (Gord) Bell, grandson Kurt (Mitzie) Proctor and her great- grandchildren, Lauren and Kelsey Bell (Ashton), Jordon (Brittany), Mitchell (Maddie) and Haley Proctor. Edith will be greatly missed by her many relatives in Sweden and Finland, as well as countless friends. Edith immigrated to Canada from Finland at age 19. She worked on a farm in Starbuck, Manitoba before moving to Winnipeg to work at a Scandinavian restaurant. It was there she met the love of her life, John Mattson. They were married March 14, 1936 and spent 65 happy years together. They first settled in Argosy Gold Mines, later moving to Uchi Lake Mines, where they made their home until Myrna was six years old. They then moved back to Winnipeg, building a house on Ingersoll St., a place Edith called home until the age of 101. She then lived with Myrna and Ken in St. Andrews before moving to Bethania PC Home in 2013. While there, she took up watercolour painting for the first time. She also participated in beauty school, shuffleboard, bingo, music and exercising. Everyone loved her at Bethania, and Edith was grateful for the care she received, declaring "This is the best place in Winnipeg, I never thought I'd be treated like a queen in my old age!" Edith's happiest times were spent with her family at Betula Lake, where they built a cabin in 1962. She enjoyed fishing, blueberry picking and bird watching on her "perch." She loved gardening, needlepoint, knitting socks to give as gifts, winning at 31, watching wrestling and playing bingo. Edith was dedicated to her family and also enjoyed helping others. At 100 years old she was presented with a certificate for 10 years of service at Calvary PCH, where John had resided. She was our matriarch; mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and our inspiration. Skal to 105.5 years of love, feist, quick wit and endless laughter! That's Nanny for you, one great lady! Special thanks to all of the homecare workers from Winnipeg and Selkirk, the caring staff at Bethania and the nurses at Concordia Hospital. Arrangements taken care of by Wheeler Funeral Home. A family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethania Mennonite PCH (1045 Concordia Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R2K 3S7).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2015