It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jane Matthews. Janie passed away peace-fully on Friday July 14, 2023 with her family by her side.
She was born April 25th, 1952 in Fort William to Betty and Donald Wright and had two sisters Judy and Susan. She attended Heath Park School and spent many summers at Heath Park pool as well as camping and hunting with her father. She then went onto Westgate High School where she participated in many sports and skipped for the school curling team.
After graduating high school, Janie attended The Regional School of Nursing here in Thunder Bay where she graduated in 1974 as a Registered Nurse. Following graduation she worked in labour and delivery and maternal newborn at McKellar Hospital for many years. And then at Thunder Bay Re-gional Health Sciences Centre on the maternal newborn floor until she retired.
She met her husband Ron Matthews (Matty) just after high school. They were married in 1974 at 21 years old and had three children Lindsay, Blair, and Riley. Her and Ron loved skiing together at Mount McKay and during the summer she would go and cheer on Ron at Riverview Raceways. She was a devoted mom to her three children and an amazing Nana to her six grandchildren and so proud of them all. She loved attending anything her children were involved in, and her grandchildren were no different. From hockey games, volleyball matches, races, gymnastics to baseball she was there to cheer them on with the biggest smile.
She loved her Toronto Maple Leafs, and only missed a game when she was watching her grandkids play. She also loved visiting Casino’s and taking trips to Las Vegas with her sisters. Janie loved her flowers and house in Murillo where she was able to stay until the end. Most of all Janie loved her family. From having Christmas dinners to family birthday parties. Family is what made her happiest.
Janie was predeceased by her husband Ron (Matty) Matthews, parents Donald and Betty Wright, and in-laws Campbell and Geira Matthews.
She is survived by her daughter Lindsay (Dave) Williamson, son Blair Matthews, son Riley (Ashley) Matthews; sisters Judy Swickis (Wally Michelin) of Sioux Lookout, Ontario and Susan (Dennis) New-ton of Salmon Arm, British Columbia; brother-in-law Robert Matthews; and grandchildren Bella, Jack, Sam, Cassidy, Emersyn and Avery; as well as many special friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sellick, Jane’s entire palliative care team and the amazing nurses on 1A at TBRHSC.
As per Janes wishes, cremation has taken place and a private service will be held.
Should family and friends wish, donations in memory of Jane can be made to either the Northern Can-cer Fund or to Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario
