Christine Matheson

Englishtown

With deep sorrow the family of Christine Anna Matheson, announce her peaceful passing on October 13, 2021 at the age of 93 years. Born in Englishtown on June 18, 1928, Christine was the daughter of Dolena and Dan MacAulay. Christine is survived by her daughter Donna Matheson, Sydney, her sister Hughena Romkey, Dartmouth, and nephew Carl MacAulay Fredericton.

Besides her parents, Christine was pre-deceased by her husband A. Gordon Matheson, sister Anna MacAulay and brother Donald MacAulay.

Christine graduated in 1955 as a Certified Nursing Assistant from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs School for Nursing Assistants at Camp Hill Hospital. After graduating she worked at Buchanan Memorial Hospital in Neil’s Harbour. She then nursed at Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck until she retired in 1993 and was known as the “nurse with her hair in a bun”. She wore her white nursing uniform and cap with pride.

Mom was a care-giver in every sense of the word, whether it was at a relatively young age caring for a neighbour’s child, caring for her own elderly mother or as a devoted mother to her only child. Above all else, Mom was a fierce protector of all family members and took a keen interest in their lives. She had no problem with speaking her mind and voicing her opinion on any matter. About the only things she feared were snakes, and thunder and lightening storms which meant getting into the car regardless of the time of day or night and going to a neighbour’s home until the storm abated.

Mom was known as the Avon Lady to many people having sold Avon for well over 35 years and she enjoyed the interaction with her customers more so than any minimal financial rewards.  Mom was strong willed, independent and drove her own vehicle well into her late 80’s.

Mom was a beautiful knitter and could not pass by a skein of yarn without thinking of the possibilities for socks or mittens. She also was skilled at crocheting with fine cotton thread and created exquisite dollies, many of which she gave as gifts. Mom loved going to yard sales and could always justify a purchase as something that would be useful if not now, then later. Growing up during the time of the second World War, she followed the rule of “waste not – want not”.  Mom enjoyed being around children, picking berries, ceilidh’s and in her later years crossword puzzles, CBC Land & Sea episodes about Newfoundland, and talking on the phone to “get the news”.

Thank you to her long time family Physician, Dr. Roland Genge whom she thought the world off, and also to the staff at Teresa Terrace, Northside Community Guest Home who cared for her with such compassion during the last several months of her life as she struggled with dementia.

At Christine’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Interment to take place at a later date. For those wishing to remember Christine, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia.  Family also ask that as an act of kindness in Christine’s memory, you take the time to visit or phone an elderly person in your community.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the W. J. Dooley Funeral Home,107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Condolences to the family can be sent to www.wjdooley.com.

Be not sorrowful when I die

I have fought a hard bitter battle

The prize of rest is mine

Earned though pain and strife

Be not sad for the price of peace is finally mine