MARGARET (HELEN) MATHESON

Margaret (Helen) Matheson, 82, passed away on the evening of Friday, March 20, 2015, with family by her side, at La Verendre Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Helen was born April 19, 1932 in Fort Frances to Richard and Lillian Salter.
She was eight years old when her family moved to Vancouver, B.C. because of the closing of the local Shevlin mill. At the age of 20, while visiting relatives back home, she met Gordon Matheson and they soon married and made Fort their home.
Together, they raised six children and she was the ultimate “stay-at-home mom.” She created a home filled with love and laughter, scented with the aroma of homemade bread.
When her children were older, Helen went to work at Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29, retiring after 20 years as head steward.
It was in the 1960s that Helen began volunteering, and she was one of the founding members of what is now Fort Frances Community Living.
She was past officer and life member of the Legion Auxiliary Br. #29. She also was a past president and life member of the Rainycrest Auxiliary.
Helen was a women of faith, and was an adherent of the Bethel Baptist Church.
Mom was a true lady, who was both humble and caring. Her family meant the world to her and she would tell everyone how truly blessed she was to have all her children living so close to home.
Helen is survived by her children, Donald of Emo, Ont., Bruce (Kim) of Fort Frances, Ont., Richard of Fort Frances, Ont., Janet (Wade) Bell of Crozier, Ont., and Kathleen of Fort Frances, Ont.; and daughter-friend, Patricia Mainville of Fort Frances, Ont.
Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Lauren (Gui), Jocelyn (Jon), Donnie (Krysta), Gordon, Chris (Aimee), Nicole (Robin), Robert (Dawn), Tyler (Carleigh), Meghan (Brent), and April (Graeme); and seven great-grandchildren.
She also is survived by her sister, Mary Johnson; sister-in-law, May Matheson and family; maternal cousins, Jill Perasalo, Jackie Giesbrecht, Doreen Buffington, Roy Mills, Deane Cunningham, and Lynda Stove; and nephew, Darren Love.
Helen was predeceased by her parents; brother, Donald Salter, and sister, Ardella Love; companion, John Campbell; and her youngest son, Graham Matheson.
A memorial service will be held Friday, March 27, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, with Pastor David Groff officiating.
The pallbearers will be her grandchildren.
The honourary pallbearers will be the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 Ladies Auxiliary.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church or the Fort Frances Community Chest in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8.
On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
“Mom, there are no goodbyes for us.
Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts.”