Matthias
Long time resident of Castor
Evelyn Matthias, long time resident of Castor, passed away March 26, 2015 at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor, Alberta at the age of 93 years.
Evelyn was born the fifth child of Ida and Auguste Dumas in a small community near Montréal Quebec.
Evelyn was baptized Marie Eveline Alphéda Dumas although was known as Evelyn.
She was predeceased by her husband Allan Matthias in May of 1996, both her parents, older brothers Roland, Roger and Omer Dumas, older sister Augustine Fournier, younger sister Elaine Williams and their spouses.
She will be lovingly remembered by; her son Philip Matthias (Karen) of Calgary, her grandson Nolan Matthias (Jen) and great grandson Jackson all of Calgary; her daughter Marilyn Thornton (Bill) of Coronation, granddaughter Tracey Woods (Blaine) great grandsons Clayton, Scott and Brodie all of Camrose, grandson Kevin Thornton (Cathy) great grandson Carlin and great granddaughter Aspen all of Coronation and granddaughter Lisa Burgess (Justin) great granddaughters Breena and Anna of Lougheed.
At a young age Evelyn and the Dumas family moved to Alberta and settled in Lac La Biche where Evelyn and her older sister Augustine attended school at a convent administrated by Catholic Nuns.
After finishing school she moved to Edmonton and worked for the Hudson Bay Company.
While visiting her brother Omer she met and later in March of 1944 married Matthew Arnold Smith who was a flying officer in the RCAF and in the same squadron as her brother Omer.
Evelyn returned to Edmonton where their son Matthew Philip was born prior to her being widowed.
At the suggestion of her brother Roger who was living in Castor she relocated and started her own hairdressing business.
Evelyn met Allan Matthias in Castor and they were married in June of 1948. Their daughter Marilyn Evelyn was born several years later.
Evelyn continued hairdressing and later she went to work for Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital, first as a ward aid and then in the administration office where she continued until her retirement.
Evelyn and Allan were long term residents of the Town of Castor and were always involved in the community.
They had many wonderful trips with the J.I. Case Company. They enjoyed good times at the cottage in the summer, first at Sylvan Lake and then at Moose Lake.
After retirement they spent the winters in Hawaii, a very favourite place. They appreciated nature, loved their pet dogs and budgie bird “Dickie.” When the grandchildren came it was a special time and joy.
After Allan passed away Evelyn lived for many years at the Paintearth Lodge, and then as her health declined she moved to the long term care centre in December 2013 until her passing.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 2 p.m. in Knox United Church Castor, Alberta with Reverend Barbara Zimmerman officiating. Grandson Nolan Matthias offered the eulogy and long time friend Sylvia Wold gave a tribute.
Other memories from the grandchildren were given by Tracey Woods, Kevin Thornton, and Lisa Burgess.
Cathy Schaffner and the Knox United Church Choir led in song and granddaughter Jen Matthias performed the solo, Amazing Grace.
The interment followed in the Castor Cemetery where she was laid to rest beside her loving husband Allan. Family and friends then gathered together for fellowship and a luncheon in the upper hall of the church provided by the Knox United Church Women.
Memorial donations may be made to Paintearth Lodge, Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Foundation, The Knox United Church Memorial Fund or a charity of your own choice.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting the funeral home website at www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. For further information please call 403-882-3141.
